The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.  I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.

As we stand on the verge of a new year, we are challenged by the Gospels to beware of the antichrists in our lives and to cling to the truth no matter what comes our way. The antichrists are all those people, activities, and things that take away from our time with God. They are the instigators of our selfish impulses. They promote sin and keep us from doing good. Each year we struggle against these worldly influences. Sometimes we fail and as we begin a new year we should make a fresh start by confessing our sins, doing penance, and avoiding sins. So too, we need to renew our dedication to living out the teachings of our faith, especially those we find most difficult because only the truth can set us free from selfish thoughts and lead us to the selfless lives we are called to live.

What are the antichrists in our lives? How can we overcome them? Do we follow the teachings of Christ, especially those that are most difficult?

O Lord, help us to know the truth and follow it all the days of our lives.

Amen.