This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
As we approach the celebration of the Epiphany, which in addition to the arrival of the Magi, also commemorates the revelation of the Incarnate Word to all nations, we see in our readings references to that revelation–and also, even its earliest manifestations, resistance to it on the part of the world. As we heard in the Gospel at Christmas Midnight Mass, “He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.”
Even before Jesus Christ was on their radar, the Pharisees were already questioning and doubting His great herald, John the Baptist, as we see in today’s gospel.
And in today’s first reading from the First Letter of John, we hear the apostle speak of those who reject Christ, and He admonishes them: “Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father.”
Many of the people we deal with day to day are pleasant and friendly, and our superficial dealings with them are agreeable and uneventful. So, sometimes we forget that this drama is the one that plays out in every human heart: Jesus Christ reveals Himself, sometimes clearly, sometimes in a manner that is blurred by human sin, and each person decides to accept or reject Him. And many, even many persons we might consider otherwise pleasant, choose to reject Him. To the extent that this choice becomes permanent, they reject their eternal happiness. For, “Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father.”
Thankfully, in the midst of this often tragic dichotomy wherein Jesus comes “to what is His own, but His own people do not accept Him,” we have a role to play, to help make things better.
When we sincerely and consistently offer ourselves to Jesus every day in our time of prayer and through the fulfillment of our daily duty, and ask Him to leverage that offering for the welfare of those who do not know Him or reject Him, it gives Him “license” to push into hearts a little harder without transgressing human freedom. The gift of our freedom to Him opens doors to hearts whose freedom alone may be too weak to open those doors. Thus, we are cooperators in salvation, and every day of our lives has profound meaning.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Consider with Jesus the example of Mary, whose gift of self at the Annunciation, at the Cross, and every day in between augmented the reach of His infinite merits by standing in for weak human freedom. Ask Jesus to make you “part of Mary’s team” in assisting Him, through your gift of self each day.
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