THURSDAY, CHRISTMASTIDE
Mem. of Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen
1 Jn 2: 22-28 Ps 98: 1-4 Jn 1: 19-28
JESUS CHRIST: FULLY DIVINE, FULLY HUMAN
One of the heresies that troubled the early Church was Gnosticism. Gnostics believed that all matter was evil and only the spirit was good. This made the mystery of the Incarnation unacceptable to them. Similarly, Islam finds the Incarnation unthinkable. They claimed that Christ, a semi-divine being, descended upon the human Jesus at His baptism and left Him at His Passion. St. John the Evangelist strongly refuted such errors, calling their proponents “antichrists” and “liars.” He urged Christians to remain rooted in true teaching so that they might abide in the Father and the Son and secure their salvation. Even today, we must be vigilant against false teachers who challenge Catholic practices such as confession, the veneration of saints, and the use of sacred images. When doubts arise, it is vital to engage in honest dialogue within the Church, seeking clarity and understanding.
The truth of the faith is this: Jesus Christ is both true God and true man. He is Emmanuel—God with us. In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist proclaims to the Jews and Levites, “There stands one among you…” This powerful declaration is an Epiphany, revealing Christ’s presence among His people. St. Basil the Great, whose feast we celebrate today, beautifully explains the Incarnation: “The Father was, and the Son was born! Do not ask, ‘When?’ or ‘How?’ for such questions have no answers. God is on earth; He is among men—not in the smoking mountain or roaring tempest giving the Law, but in the flesh. The gentle and good One dwells with those He makes His equals. God is in the flesh—not operating from a distance, but through a human nature one with ours, seeking to bring all humanity back to Himself.” This mystery of the Word made flesh is the foundation of our faith and salvation. Let us embrace this truth, remaining steadfast and faithful to Christ, who is always with us as Emmanuel.
Response: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
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