John’s letter invites us to love. Unfortunately, the English word for “love” spans from the superficial, purely emotional experience to a deeply sacrificial commitment. The readings and psalms for today’s liturgy not only invite us to re-assess how we live out God’s love in daily life; we are also reminded of our Baptismal commitment to attend to the spiritually and physically wounded. “For he will rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him,” and “Perfect love drives out fear.” This is the true Christmas message given to us these past days. John reiterates for us, “We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.”
The experience of “Church” is not just a gathering of people for worship. No, living “church” is a much deeper commitment. God became human to help us in our storms of life. In today’s gospel Mark tells us that Jesus has taken care of the physical needs of the people. He knows that they are hungry for more: safety from economic poverty, security in daily living. His chosen disciples eke out their own living through fishing. Jesus understands people’s predicaments. That is why he selects disciples to help him in this endeavor. And, yes, we, too, are part of this group who feed the hungry, unburden the prisoner, console those weeping because of injustices. Like Jesus’ original disciples, we also get tossed about by our own emotional, spiritual, and material predicaments. Yet, Jesus comes to us on our ship of life. He helps to quell our storms, so we need to stay connected with our God.
We have begun a new chronological year. Because of sanctifying grace, we have a new way of seeing people in our neighborhood, nation, and around the world. Let us look at people with Jesus’ eyes—seeing them in their neediness and then responding with the spirit of the beatitudes and works of mercy.
In his own preaching, twentieth century theologian Howard Thurman reminded us to live the Christmas message all year long.