December 31 Homily

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

Friday, December 31, 2021

Readings: Click here to read full text.
    Reading I: 1 Jn 2:18-21
    Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
    Gospel: Jn 1:1-18

Stay Connected with the Source 

As Christians, though we share in the mission of Christ, our mission resembles that of John the Baptist. As John is not the light, we too are not the light. As the Gospel relates, the Word is the light, and John was sent to testify to the light that shines in the darkness. Yet, we can only testify to the light if we are connected to the source, the Holy Eucharist.

Look at our Christmas trees and other decorations. They come to life when its lights are switched on. And they can only be switched on if they are connected to the source of electricity. If they are not or are busted, they won’t emit light. 

Connection to the source is therefore necessary if we are to radiate, reflect, and testify to the light. This source, the Word, is now made accessible and available to us. "And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," Jesus Christ our Lord, who said of Himself, "I am Bread of Life" (John 6:35), "the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world" (v51). We believe that the Word, that created and gave life to the world, the True Light, is the Holy Eucharist. Our Source, then, is the Holy Eucharist. If we are always connected to the Holy Eucharist, then we can testify to the light.  If we are not, if we are disconnected from this only source, we are like bulbs that never radiate light.

Fr. Joel R. Lasutaz, SSS

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