Children in Faith
John typically calls his disciples children. This is important to remember when reading the first reading for today. John starts out by addressing children. Knowing that he often calls people listening to his words children we need to ask what children he is referring to.
In the reading there are references to fathers and young men, too. It might be possible that instead of thinking of groups of people by age John might be referring to people in groups of faith. People who have just been introduced to the faith as children. Young men who have been studying the faith. Fathers as those advanced in wisdom of the faith. The next three verses seem to support this idea. John gives praise to those who have conquered the evil one, those who know the Father from the beginning, and those who are coming to know the Father.
For all the groups, we are warned not to love things of this world. Specifically, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life. They turn us away from God by filling our mind of things of this world. They make us focus on this world rather than the spiritual as directed by God. Christmas is a time where we should be focused on things that are spiritual.
Look today. What is taking you away from the joy of the season? Returning items not wanted? Endless hours of football games? Are you searching for time away from the family rather than being present to one another? Do an evaluation today, what is taking your time away from God?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and if the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen