Life in God and in the World
Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
In his letter, John warns us about the dangers of loving “the world.” What does he mean about “the world?”
It is important to remember that John is not condemning what God has made. He is not telling us to treat the people and things of this world with contempt. But he is reminding us that our world is finite and we are mortal. There is more to us and to our world than we can see, hear, taste, smell and touch. That’s why John warns us against “sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life.”
By changing our focus to God and the will of God we can embrace eternal life and experience that life now. Ana, the widow who encountered the Holy Family at the Presentation, nurtured that life with fasting, prayer and contemplation.
The gospel tells us that Ana never left the Temple. We are blessed to be able to spend time here in church, but God also wants us to experience and share life with God everywhere we are and everywhere we go—in the world.
Notes from a Journey - Capuchin Friar John Celichowski