Read 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, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
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 summing everything the world 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 the three temptations of Jesus. 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) and finally that Jesus should 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 the needs of every person. 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 always need more. Our hearts are always restless because only God can bring us true satisfaction. It is pure wisdom to constantly remind yourself that you came to this world empty and will return empty; you are just a sojourner on earth.
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. She spent the whole of her life in the temple because she found inner peace being in God’s presence.
With Simeon, Anna knew that this child brought in by Mary and Joseph was no ordinary child. She thanked God and spoke of him to all seeking Jerusalem's redemption. Her prophecy became a reality.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may my love for you overcome my love for this world. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (6th day within the octave of Christmas. Bible Study: 1 John 2:12-17, Ps. 96:7-10, Luke 2:36-40).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu