Meditation: 1 John 5:5-13
Christmas Weekday
Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes? (1 John 5:5)
What is this victory “over the world” that St. John is talking about? It’s not the kind of victory that a military officer might experience on the battlefield. Neither does it come by defeating a formidable opponent in some test of wits. It’s not by domination of any kind that we overcome the unbelief in the world. No, John tells us, victory comes from faith.
This faith is not just a list of theological statements. That won’t give us the grace and conviction we need to overcome the self-centered philosophies in the world around us. Of course, we need to understand the truths of our faith, but lasting victory comes as we embrace these truths and let them change the ways we think and act.
Let’s take, for example, the renewal of our baptismal promises that we are all invited to make during the Easter season:
Do you reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises? I do. I know that the evil one wants to use lies and half-truths to tempt me to sin. I promise to be on the lookout for his influence and to run to Jesus whenever I feel he is harassing me.
Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth? I do. I believe that I have a Father in heaven who created me out of love and who wants nothing but good for me. I promise to trust in him and his promises when the world tells me that I am alone and helpless.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? I do. I believe that Jesus has rescued me from sin and made me a child of God. I am in awe at his sacrifice for me, and I promise to stay close to him during my day. I promise to do everything I can to deepen my relationship with him and my trust in his love for me.
This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. It is the faith that can save us from every temptation the world throws at us.
“Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!”
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
Luke 5:12-16