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In all ages, it has been difficult for many people to accept the doctrine of the Incarnation. The doctrine that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah caused some people to leave the early Church. Against this background, Saint John wrote his First Letter to strengthen the faith of his community in Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah.
Jesus is the Christ. This is part of the message of Saint John's First Letter which we are reading in this Christmas period. Is it possible that God Almighty, infinite and eternal, could become a human being, limited in time and space? People asked that question in the early Church and people still ask that question today. The apostolic teaching affirmed not only the possibility but also the reality: Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. This is our apostolic faith which has prevailed over the heretical teaching of those who left the early communities.
Jesus once said: "Blessed is the one who is not scandalized in me". Those who question whether a particular man at a particular time with a particular culture could possibly be the Son of God were scandalized by the thought. By the grace of God we accept Jesus and are not scandalized at his humanity.
God our Father, strengthen our faith in Jesus, Your Son, our Lord and Saviour.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That all men and women may recognise that they are members of God's one family and end wars, injustice and discrimination among themselves.
Elaboration
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