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| Image from the Book of Kells |
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
Before there was "science" and absurd expressions like "Science says...," (as if Science were a real person with universal knowledge of everything) there were the "Queen of all sciences" (theology) and the "Mother of all sciences, (philosophy). Every knew that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;" and similarly, awe inspires the pursuit of knowledge. Theology and philosophy open our eyes and minds to see clearly with delight and wonder, and without fear, preference, or prejudice. When the Angel said, "Do not fear, Mary." she immediately set aside all fear and wanted to know more.
Before there were scientists to tell us how stupid we are, there were trustworthy people who taught us about God and his Son Jesus. There was a Church to tell us about the disciple who entered an empty tomb and knew that Jesus had been raised from the dead. We believe these and other stories; and find ourselves in the history of salvation before skeptics teach us to question everything we know and distrust everyone we know.
With the other writers of the New Testament, Saint John's magnificent gospel reminds of what others have told us, and records the earliest experience of our Christian ancestors. Plus, they tell us what these events mean. Blessed with the same Holy Spirit, we remember the life, death, and resurrection as if they happened yesterday. We're more likely to describe details of those events than we can say what we had for breakfast yesterday. Saint John tells us not only what happened, but what it all means.
The Gospel of John is like an enormous cathedral. We hear its prelude at the midday Mass of Christmas and on December 31st, as if we were entering the foyer of a great basilica. We study its phrasing as if we were examining every nook and cranny of a dark, silent church. And we hear the Lord speaking to us in human language. He says as he said to Abraham, Moses, David, and Saint Paul, "Here I am." We must worship him.
Christmas has brought us to this moment of readiness and gratitude. Come let us worship.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.