The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
One of the hardest things to overcome as we mature spiritually is this: self-deception. We rationalize our sin or the gravity of it. “Nine out of ten commandments ain’t bad…” “Well, I’m not as bad as that person over there…” “I know this is a bad habit, but I will stop doing it… tomorrow…”
St. John says that sins are always lies. There is always a cycle of lying. We lie to avoid some particular suffering or punishment or responsibility initially. Then, we must construct new lies to not be found out in the original lie! The tradition calls the devil the Prince of Lies. He creates a kingdom of smoke and mirrors that cloud our vision for a true life of flourishing in darkness.
Yet, John also says that we do not “walk just as” Christ did. We do not just imitate Jesus, but we participate in His life of grace and truth. The Lord is a new commandment, unlike those of old, because He perfects in us what we were unable to do by human striving. “I do write a new commandment to you,” he writes, “which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.” Christ is the Light to the Nations that casts out darkness of sin.
Simeon was given the privilege of seeing this Light at the First Coming. This is the Truth that sets us free. We, therefore, must not give in to a disposition of darkness. Rather, we must cultivate the theological virtue of hope. Hope is the unshakeable confidence in heaven and God’s providence. So, let us cast out the lies, the anxieties, the darkness of our hearts and minds. Let us then have room for hope and her sister, joy. These will mark us already free children of the kingdom of light.
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Christmas, Daily Reflections