Readings: 1 John 2:18-21, Ps. 96:1-2,11-13, John 1:1-18
“The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not.” (John 1:9-11)
- Whenever the word “antichrist” is mentioned, our minds tend to go directly to the devil, but a better understanding of that word is the context in which it appears in today’s first reading. The antichrist is not necessarily the devil himself but anyone who claims to profess faith in Christ yet brings about division and distortion of the truth among Christians.
- According to John, “So many antichrists have come; therefore, we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us…. I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you know it and know that no lie is of the truth.” (1 John 2:18-21).
- From what John says, we are either pro-Christ or anti-Christ. We cannot be both at the same time. Either we promote Christ in our lives or give the wrong message about Christ to the world. In Christ, there is no division; anyone who champions division in the Church is not for Christ.
- Six days ago, we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ into the human race. Why was Jesus born among us? To bring us life, and this life is the light, and this light entails that we live above sin in a world that has been so crippled by darkness.
- If we call ourselves Christians, our lives ought to shine like bright stars in the world; that is, there has to be a difference in our pattern of life. However, many Christians only pretend to be in the light while full of darkness inside. By our actions (especially those done under the cover of darkness or in secret), we reject Christ, thereby behaving as anti-Christ.
- John says: “He came to his own home, and his own people received him not.” Whether we like it or not, the world has not yet received Christ. This is why the world hates Christians. Jesus said: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world. Therefore, the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19).
- The world’s rejection of Christ explains the deterioration of morality even within the church. It also explains why Jesus Christ never trends on social media, even during Christmas. Many Christians claim to be celebrating Christmas but are only seeking pleasure.
- Jesus told us that we would know the antichrists by their fruits. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits… Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:15-21).
- Are there any benefits to accepting Christ and walking as children of light? John says in our Gospel passage: “To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the power to become children of God.” (John 1:12). Do not be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. If you are Christian, you don’t need to tell anyone; live like one.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, thank you for bringing us to the end of the year. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (7th day within the octave of Christmas Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 John 2:18-21, Ps. 96:1-2, 11- 13, John 1:1-18).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu