St. John was born of a Christian family in Damascus in the latter part of the seventh century. Learned in philosophy, he became a monk in the monastery of Saint Sabbas near Jerusalem, and was ordained a priest. He wrote many doctrinal works, particularly against iconoclasts. He died in the middle of the eighth century.
Our first reading today tells about guarding the rich trust of faith that comes from the Holy Spirit - with the help of the Holy Spirit. We are to pass on this trust to others, so that they in turn can also spread it - and it will fill the earth! The grace and peace of Jesus is meant to be experienced by all!
John of Damascus was one who was gifted in being able to conceptualize the trust of faith - the deposit of the Church’s teachings - so that they could be learned and transmitted to others. Because of him, many came to know God more deeply than they ever could have otherwise.
John used the gifts given him - like the faithful servant in the gospel passage, who not only used his talents but multiplied them so they could bring even more honor to the master. We must imitate John in doing this, and not be like the servant who simply returned the gift God had given him, barely used! If we use the gift of love at all - it will grow and become more than it was before, and so we cannot fool God. It will be quite evident how and to what extent we used what God gave us for the good of others!
Keeping God’s word is the important thing: keeping by doing, that is! May we this day keep God’s words of loving by doing loving things, and thus feel the exhilaration that comes from living the very life of God from inside out!
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life! Thank you for your words!
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