💖 HOMILY - DECEMBER 27 💖

First Reading - 1 John 1:1-4

Gospel - John 20:2-8

Christmas is a time of joy as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. This season calls us to rejoice, but it also reminds us of our duty as Christians to become witnesses of Christ. Our faith in Jesus cannot remain a personal experience alone—it must overflow into sharing the joy, peace, hope, and life of Christ with others.

In the first reading, we find a striking parallel to the prologue of John's Gospel. Here, however, the emphasis is not on the preexistent Word but on the apostles' lived experience of the historical Jesus. They testify to the Word of Life they saw, heard, and touched. Their purpose is to invite others into fellowship with the Father and the Son through their witness. This underscores that our own witness must come from personal experience with Jesus—not merely from knowledge about Him.

The Gospel reading shifts our focus from the Nativity to the Resurrection. At first glance, it may seem out of place during Christmastide, but it aligns beautifully with the season’s message. It reminds us that the Incarnation is incomplete without the Resurrection. The Beloved Disciple, who represents any disciple loved by Jesus, runs to the tomb, sees the signs of the Resurrection, and believes, even when others hesitate. He becomes a model for us—one who shares in the Eucharist, stands with Jesus in His Passion, and witnesses to the Church.

Dear friends, today’s readings challenge us to reflect on two key aspects of our Christian calling:

First, we are called to be witnesses to Christ through personal experience. Like the apostles, our testimony about Jesus must be rooted in a living encounter with Him. John emphasizes that Jesus is not an abstract concept or a distant historical figure. He is real, present, and alive. Our witness will be powerful only when it flows from our relationship with Him.

Second, our witnessing must be fueled by faith. The Beloved Disciple believed in the Resurrection without seeking further proof. His faith was immediate and complete. In the same way, our faith in Jesus should be firm and unwavering, inspiring us to share His message of salvation with the world.

As we continue to celebrate the joy of Christmas, let us remember our responsibility as believers. Let us deepen our personal relationship with Jesus, strengthen our faith in Him, and share His life with those around us. By doing so, we truly become witnesses to the Incarnation and the Resurrection, bringing the light of Christ to the world.