Reflection 1 (Letters of 3 John) - Posted 10/22/2008

Reflections Ministry

The Letters of John were probably written towards the end of the First Century. Because of their similarity to the Gospel of John, these letters are attributed by many to have been written by St. John the Apostle. In any case they are most assuredly from the same Johannine school of thought. The purpose of the letters is to refute false teaching, as well as, deepen the spiritual and communal awareness of their readers. As we reflect on these letters of John let us examine our own lives, and strive to deepen our own spiritual awareness, coming always closer to our God.

Lord, send your Holy Spirit to open and enlighten our minds.  Let our reflection of these letters bring us closer to you, and open our hearts and lives to the power of your word in Holy Scripture.  Keep us always aware of your great love for us.  Help us and guide us, as we open our lives more fully to your power and grace.

In his third letter St. John reminds us of the importance of choosing good role models to follow.  It is important that we look to those people, both in our own lives and those in the life of the Church, who provide a good, strong, and faithful example.  Our society is taken with celebrity.  Sports heroes and movie stars are idolized just because of their professions.  Some look to them as role models based on factors other than the goodness of their lives.  It is important that we do not get caught up in that.  Rather, as St. John counsels, we must find good role models and imitate their lives.  We must look to the Saints and the Fathers of the Church and imitate their lives.  We must look to those in our lives who are striving to follow the way of the Lord and seeking spiritual maturity and imitate their lives.  There are many good and holy people to whose lives we can look for inspiration.  Let us pray for the grace to always imitate good and reject evil.  Let us pray that God continues to raise up those who will lead His people by their example of holiness.