Live as Jesus Lived December 29

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to live (just) as he lived. 1 John 2:5-6

“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35

Piety

Jesus, help us to walk as you walked, love as you loved, serve as you served, live as you lived. You are God’s Chosen One. Help us to choose your ways. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/122906.shtml

Jesus changes everything…including the commandments. The New Commandment is delivered to us today – a commandment so old that it seems new. Following this commandment puts us into a relationship with Jesus that goes beyond the physical to the metaphysical. That commandment is, “Obey.” Obedience to the Word of God is the mark of the family of God. We saw it in Mary (“I am the handmaiden of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to God’s will.” We saw in Joseph listening to the messages from the angels, not once but several times.

Jesus came to dwell with us and in us in order to live a new covenant. Peter Maurin, co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement, said in one of his Easy Essays, “to create a new society within the shell of the old with the philosophy of the new, which is not a new philosophy but a very old philosophy, a philosophy so old that it looks like new.”

We learn this new commandment from John and from those around at the birth of Our Savior and at the Presentation of the Lord. Later in the Good News, Jesus himself echoes the prophecy of Simeon and the new commandment of John. When crowds gathered around, Jesus was told:

“Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Luke 8:20-21

Not just his direct relatives, but an extended metaphysical family. In another scene from Luke’s Gospel, Jesus reinforces this sisterhood and brotherhood we have with the Son of God.

While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Luke 11: 27-28

Action

How do we abide in Him today? In our families? In our communities? In our parishes? In our workplaces and schools? In small group meetings?

What is the Word of God asking you to do today?

PS: Happy 27^th anniversary Beth!