The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Throughout these Christmas Octave reflections, we can hope that the thought of God communicating His divine love in human form provides a background or a sounding board for all of us. The birth of the Christ is the grand announcement “sung out by the heavenly hosts” to the world that a particular point had been reached in what was called the “fullness of time.” That echo will continue to the very end of time. The various expressions of that echo will be heard and interpreted by anyone who is truly open and eager to hear. Imagine people who are just beginning their journeys in faith and also those completing their journey of faith as they enter the autumn of their lives. One and all have learned to hear their unfinished symphony of faith through patience.
It is John the Evangelist who gets “the last word” in the liturgy this week. He takes us in our imagination to the original scene of God expressing Himself totally in the fullness of the Word. Speaking with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the Gospel of John is inviting us to believe in the fullness of “the Word.” John tells us this is not some kind of meditation exercise but it is, in fact, choosing and following the person of Jesus, the Son of God.
Lest there be any doubt the testimony of John the Baptist, the greatest of the prophets, is brought forward to proclaim that Christ is indeed “the Word become flesh.” This insight, always sustained by the gift of the Spirit, brings us to the beginnings of truth and goodness. With that as our beginning with the Word, and our Guide, why would we settle for anything or less?
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Christmas, Daily Reflections