My children, I am writing this to you
so that you may not commit sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
so that you may not commit sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
Saint Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus is dark; so dark one fears the night might suppress and defeat the morning. Can the birth of the Messiah justify the death of the innocents?
Often, when violence occurs, we blame the wrong people. The beaten wife blames herself for uttering the word that set her husband off. The abused child is told he brought the violence upon himself and believes it. A man commits suicide and family, friends and coworkers blame themselves or one another, but instantly "forgive" the dead.
Every since World War II people have blamed Pope Pius XII for not speaking out to save the Jews from the Shoah, although the Nazis took offence at all his irenic gestures and intensified their savage reprisals against Jews, Catholics and Christians. Bishops in Germany urged him to say no more.
Before an overwhelming tsunami of violence such as Herod’s massacre people suppose evil is an irresistible force of nature. It must overwhelm the light; and they blame themselves for setting it off. They conclude that God is to blame for the death of the Innocents.
During the Easter season we cannot fail to remember the crucifixion of Jesus. His victory would mean nothing without his passion and death. Similarly, at Christmas we remember the death of the innocents. Death and birth, despair and hope, cruelty and kindness, dark and light meet in the mystery of Jesus. If we believe his birth is worth risking even savage reprisals, it’s our Hope that drives us. Despite everything, we see in this darkness a twinkling glimmer of salvation. It will become a star burst of holiness to fill every darkened place with pure energy.
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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.