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But, as I read these texts I am struck by more than their theological density. The first reading especially possesses an evangelical tinge. By this I do not refer to modern Protestants, but to the core meaning of the word “evangelical” as proclamation. The author of 1 John proclaimed what he saw, namely “the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us.” John the Apostle and evangelist was not embarrassed by his faith in Jesus. He did not keep it to himself, in his private heart. Instead he proclaimed and professed. He passed it on. We owe much of our own faith in Christ to what John saw. His vision helps us to understand the depth of God’s engagement with the world. Yet, John also serves as a model for us to follow. We need to pass on what we see to others, so that they, too, might understand more deeply and clearly. So today I am challenged more by John’s evangelical and apostolic dedication than by his theological insight (although that is pretty cool). |