How to sustain the graces of Christmas

4 January

John 1:35-42 

Bernard Lonergan, a famous Jesuit theologian, is known for developing theological reflection based on the See-judge-act principle.  This may also be the core of today's readings to deepen our faith this Christmas season. 

St. John opens the need for proper and sustaining ways for guiding Christian in the ways of faith, lest the evil one corrupts the self with false truths.  For the faith is like a seed planted in a person's heart.  He is like Jesus, "begotten by God".  Sin has no place in this persons heart.

But being being begotten, apart from the seed being planted, needs constant nourishment.  Note the gospel for today in the sense of See-judge-act.

First, see. "Look, there is the lamb of God."  There are many avenues by which faith is introduced to us as there are a million ways for evil to corrupt our hearts as well.  The looking points to Jesus.

Second, judge.  How did the apostles know about Jesus? "Come and see."  They saw where he lived, and stayed with him for the rest of the day. In what way did we get this opportunity to get to know Jesus in a deeper level?  The gospel mentions about a tenth hour of getting to know Jesus.  What time is it in our lives to get to know him?

Third, act.  Those who heard Jesus became his followers.  They also recruited others to be disciples. 

May these all deepen our resolve to be true Christian disciples of Jesus and know our true mission to lead all people to him.

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