The Feast of The Holy Innocents
Readings: 1 John 1:5–2:2, Psalm 123(124):2–5, 7–8, Matthew 2:13–18
28 December 2024
God is light. 1 JN 1:5
No analogy is adequate, but in his letter, On the Opinion of Dionysius (par 15 and 16), St Athanasius of Alexandria referred to an analogy used to explain the mystery of the Holy Trinity. In the analogy, brightness is compared to a light. Though distinct, the two realities cannot be separated from one another. As long as a light exists, brightness will always shine out from it. If the light is eternal, the brightness is also eternal. The analogy seeks to explain that if God the Father has always existed, then God the Son has also always existed. If one is eternal, the other must be eternal. If one is God, the other must be God.
St Athanasius referred to the sun in the sky, saying that as long as the sun exists, light will always shine out from it. If I may add, as long as the sun exists, warmth will also always radiate out from it. Scripture tells us that humans are created in God’s image and likeness (Gn 1:26–27), but our Creator is also reflected in creation (Rm 1:20). The artist is reflected in their artwork. The sun, with its light and warmth, is a reflection of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The sun representing the Father, who “dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Tm 6:16). The light shining out represents the Son, Jesus Christ, “The light of the world” (Jn 8:12). The warmth radiating out represents the love of the Holy Spirit poured into our hearts (Rm 5:5).
May we see the reflection of God in the beauty of creation. Amen.
Fr Antony Jukes OFM
Fr Antony Jukes OFM, from Chingford, East London, joined the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor in 2002 and was ordained in 2009. He has served in a parish, youth retreat centre, and a Franciscan Study Centre, and is now the novice director in Killarney, Ireland.
With thanks to the Diocese of Wollongong, who have supplied this reflection from their publication, The Sign: Advent and Christmas Reflections 2024. Reproduced with permission.
