Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you
but an old commandment that you had from the beginning.
The old commandment is the word that you have heard.
And yet I do write a new commandment to you,
which holds true in him and among you,
for the darkness is passing away,
and the true light is already shining.
As 2025 draws to an end, and we look back upon another year, I have to admit that my mind has gone the way of all flesh. That is, I have become more conservative.
I can hear my twenty-year-old self saying, "What a horrible fate." But then I recall the shocking ignorance of my younger self and understand how his thought was controlled by the opinions of his age cohort. "This was," as T.S.Eliot said, "a long time ago. And I would do it again. But...."
I find some reassurance in the merciful insight of Saint Augustine's paraphrase of Saint John. The African bishop, described the truth as, "ever ancient, ever new." I think I understood something about the gospel then; and I understand more today. Despite it antiquity, it is still new to me.
The commandment to love others doesn't sound old or familiar to me; it still speaks of freedom and vitality and reminds me that I have not satisfied its demands. Not even close. I must, as Saint Francis said during his last days on earth, "...begin, for hitherto we've done but little."
"...for the darkness is passing away,and the true light is already shining."
Saint Thomas Becket's feastday is the ninth day since the solstice on Sunday, December 21; and the fifth day of Christmas. It's still dark when my alarm goes off. Becket was murdered by the complaint of a wicked English king -- a deniable ploy used often in today's politics. But the Saint had been as wicked as any aspiring English nobleman until King Henry II appointed him as Lord Chancellor of English Catholics. The appointment forced Thomas to defend the Church and the faith against the secular authority of the king. He suddenly became very pious. The King, unhappy with his betrayal, complained to certain ruffians who took the hint and took care of the problem.
Like King Henry and Saint Thomas, we have much to atone for. The end is near. Let us begin.
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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.