Daily Retreat 12/29/08

2008 Dec 29 Mon: Christmas Weekday/ Thomas Becket, bp, mt 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 95(96):1-2a,2b-3,5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 From today's readings:  "The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep His commandments....  Sing to the LORD a new song....  My own eyes have seen the salvation which You prepared in the sight of every people....." Do You Know Jesus? Our Christmas celebration ought to be tempered by Christmas meditation, and so the question, "Do you know Jesus?"  In other words, was your Christmas party a mere toast to a famous figure of the past, or was it truly a family festivity in honor of, and in gratitude for, and in the presence of your beloved Brother? St. John bluntly helps us determine the answer: "Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus  is to keep His commandments.  Whoever says, "I know Him," but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, the love of God is truly perfected in him." Do you know Jesus?  Do you keep His commandments?  Do you see the connection?  St. John is an excellent guide who wrote his first letter to help us answer "YES!" to all these questions.