Introduction to the Mass. Feast of St John the Evangelist.
See, Believe, Rejoice
1 John 1: 1 - 4
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life, the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete.
And in the Gospel we see how John, who reached the tomb first, also went in. He saw and believed.
John believed because he had seen, heard and touched. But we have not seen, so John gives us his testimony of all this. Why? He did so because he wants us to have union with him and the Apostles. This union or fellowship is with the Father, with Jesus and with the Holy Spirit, the family of the Holy Trinity.
He tells us these things so that his own joy will be complete and ours also. This peace and joy is a gift from God. We must treasure it, protect. This joy is deeper than our deepest darkness. We may only know it by its fruits, like falling into a blissful, restful, sleep at the end of a trying day. It is the best antidote to the ‘After Christmas Blues’. Even our good sisters and brothers in the world are happy to escape from the boredom of Christmas parties and superficial joys. Our Guest House is over-booked for the New Year by people seeking the peace and joy that lasts. Here in the monastery this joy increases our enjoyment of the innocent joys of Christmas, music, videos and rich food, (brandy soup, gorgonzola etc.!).
This union with God includes our fellowship in God’s Kingdom, a kingdom which comprises the Church Triumphant in Heaven, the Church Suffering in Purgatory and the Church Militant on Earth. Our life here below is a warfare. The devil tempts us night and day but God’s power is greater than Satan. The key weapon against Satan is humility, especially our repentance for sin and our sinfulness.
As we begin this Holy Mass we are blessed because we are aware of our need for God’s mercy. But we also pray especially for those who stand in most need of God’s limitless mercy.
