First John Introduction

The author is inviting friends to reflect on the first letter of St. John during the Christmas season. The letter addresses the issue of some people denying that God became human in Jesus Christ. The author seeks to bring peace and understanding about the truth of Jesus being made flesh. They mention using various resources to inform their reflection on the letter. They encourage praying with scripture to allow the Holy Spirit to bring Jesus to life in them. Greetings, friends. What a joy to share the Gospel. During the Christmas season in the Eucharistic liturgy, the Church puts before us most days the first letter of St. John. In this diminutive document, the author is addressing an issue of contention that has arisen within the community. It seems that some have left the fellowship of believers, denying that God truly became human in the person of Jesus Christ. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, now an old man, seeks to set the hearts and minds of the faithful in a firm peace, based on the knowledge of the truth of Jesus made flesh. I would like to invite you to join me in these Christmas days as I seek to reflect on this precious writing of the New Testament. With me, please open your heart to this great teacher of faith as he powerfully proclaims the word made visible. In doing so, he sets our gaze firmly on Jesus, who dwells with us even now. By prayerfully reading and pondering these Christmas days, the readings from John's first letter offered in the Church's lectionary, we will seek to let that word speak to us and come to us and dwell with us here and now. My reflection will be informed by some wonderful teachers of the word. I have looked to Fr. Francis Martin's brief article found in the International Bible Commentary. The classic work of Robert Law, entitled The Tests of Life, has been a wonderful help. Fr. Rudolf Schnakenberg's The Joannine Epistles is full of insight. Cezlas' Speak and his third volume of his Agape in the New Testament is truly beautiful. Daniel Keating's work on this letter, which is included in the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture series, has also been helpful. Friends, let's seek together in the praying with scripture to claim for ourselves the reality that we celebrate on Christmas morning. Through the word, let's allow the Holy Spirit to bring Jesus to life in us. And friends, it is always a joy to share the gospel with you.