Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life — for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us — what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.
1 John 1:1-4
Christ is born! Alleluia! The Christmas season is upon us and during this most special of seasons, we are reminded that Christ is with us truly. Today we also celebrate the feast of St. John the Evangelist who tells us in his letter, “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life”. I think it is easy to look at the Apostles and say to ourselves, “How could they ever have any doubt about the person of Jesus when they were able to witness Him in all his human glory! They could see Him, hear Him, touch Him. If I had the opportunity to spend time with Christ in the flesh, I would have had a stronger faith!” Right? And yet, Christ does come to us in a very tangible way every single mass. In the Gospel, St. John says, “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” As Catholics, we are uniquely blessed to be able to receive our Lord's body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist. So let us remember and be thankful for, during this season of Christmas, the continuous gift that Christ gives us of His true presence at the Mass.
How can I better reflect and meditate on the mystery of the Eucharist during mass?
Christ, through the intercession of St. John the Evangelist, help us to recognize you in the breaking of the bread.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Isaac Cruz
Did you know...
Isaac Cruz is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in his Sophomore year at St. Joseph Seminary College in Louisiana. His home parish is St. Michael the Archangel in Clearwater. He was born in Deland, Florida, and raised in Mount Olive, New Jersey. He is a convert to the Catholic Church.
