“Both at the crib and at the empty tomb we discover the new life which Christ brings.” Today’s reflection from Mass.
BIBLE READINGS: You can find the readings for St John the Evangelist on December 27 here (Universalis Website)
Just as Mary made haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and the shepherds made haste to see the good news of which the angels sang, there is the same sense of urgency at the end of Jesus earthly life.
He has a hurried burial and likewise on the third day, Peter and John race to the empty tomb. John is the fastest. Maybe it’s because he’s the youngest and still has the fitness of youth, whilst Peter’s age is beginning to take its toll. Who knows?
But there in that place of death, they find only signs of life. As Jesus was wrapped in swaddling bands as a baby so the cloths which wrapped him in death are left behind. He has no need of them. Death has been swallowed up in life.
These days of Christmas are perhaps less rushed and not so busy as the days which led up to it. But there still remains a sense of urgency as we attend to Christ. The world continues to spin, and life goes on. Wars and injustice continue, and there is still much to do but it begins with attentiveness to Jesus. A life of prayer and sacrament.
Both at the crib and at the empty tomb we discover the new life which Christ brings. The Word of God becoming flesh, active in his world, alive and bringing us peace. May his Word dwell in our hearts and lives.
DAY BY DAY
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South Cardiff Ministry Area 