Readings: 1 John 2:12-17, Ps. 96:7-10, Luke 2:36-40
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world.” (1 John 2:15-16)
- Our first reading today comes from the hand of St. John, who was nicknamed “the one who Jesus loved.” John describes the futility of loving the world by summarising everything it offers in three boxes: a. The lust of the flesh, b. The lust of the eyes, and c. The pride of life.
- According to Pope Francis, these three things correspond perfectly to Jesus's three temptations. First, Satan told Jesus to turn stones into bread (lust of the flesh). Satan told Jesus to bow to him so he could have all the riches and kingdoms of the world (lust of the eyes). Finally, Satan told Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple so that people may see and worship him (pride of life).
- Even Abraham Maslow would agree that these three things correspond to every person's needs. They are just what we want in life: bodily satisfaction (food, comfort, pleasure), riches (abundant wealth, security), and respect (worship from fellow humans, praises, and honour).
- As much as these things deliver great happiness, they remain fleeting. We are never satisfied. Our hearts are always restless because only God can bring us true satisfaction. Constantly remind yourself that you came to this world empty and will return empty; you are just a sojourner on earth.
- Love is a very powerful word. When you love something or someone, you become possessed by them; you are ready to do anything to have them, yet they bring you so much sadness. Today, St. John tells us: “Do not love the world.” It is easy to assume that the more of the world you have, the happier you will be. Meanwhile, the truth is that there is nothing in this created world that can take the place of God in your heart.
- In our Gospel passage, we are told the story of Anna, the prophetess. After losing her husband, she dedicated the whole of her life to serving God, never leaving the temple. Anna is a practical example of what St. John was talking about in today’s first reading; she saw the world's emptiness and stopped loving it.
- How do we avoid falling in love with the world? Jesus answered this in Matthew 6:33 when He said: “Seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, and all these things (everything the world can offer) shall be yours as well.” Make God your priority, and you will become free from the pursuit of fleeting realities.
- Anna spent the whole of her life in the temple because she found inner peace being in God’s presence. Anna experienced the peace Jesus spoke about when he said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27). The peace Jesus brings is joy. It is not the same thing as happiness because it is much deeper. It is spiritual and comes from above.
- St. Augustine tells us that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. Anna’s heart rested peacefully in God, so she was able to recognise God in the baby Jesus. She thanked God and spoke of him to all seeking Jerusalem’s redemption. Do not love the world.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may our love for you overcome our love for this world. 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. (6th day within the octave of Christmas Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 John 2:12-17, Ps. 96:7-10, Luke 2:36-40).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu