Christians respect St. John for being Christ’s specifically “beloved disciple” (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20).
In 1 John 2:4, he teaches: “Whoever says ‘I know Him’, but does not keep His Word is a liar and the truth is not in him.” Those who see that they want to avoid that Bible Teaching are blessed to be on the way to Be Catholic!
Today’s Reading, 1 John 2:12-17, also guides us love God more than ourselves.
“I write to you, (God-loving) children, because your sins have been forgiven for His Name’s sake. (Refers to Catholic Confession and Absolution, the doorway to Heaven for all who strive to “love God and neighbors as themselves”.)
I write to you, (God-loving) fathers, because you know Him Who Is from the beginning. (Refers both to “fathers” and to Catholic priests known by that name.)
I write to you, (God-loving) young men, because you have conquered the Evil One. (They pray hard to Be Catholic.)
I write to you, (God-loving) children, because you know the Father. (Refers to Catholic Confirmation.)
I write to you, (God-loving) fathers, because you know Him Who Is from the beginning. (That is what leads many to become loving “fathers” as they become “beginnngs”!)
I write to you, (God-loving) young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the Evil One. (By being as obedient to God as we can.)
“Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of The Father is not in him.” (Catholics are blessed to receive Catholic Communion and have God “in” us!
What is the awful fate of those who choose not to love God enough?
“If anyone loves the world, the love of The Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from The Father but is from the world.”
Then, the “beloved Disciple” shares his Prophecy! “Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But, whoever does the will of God remains forever.”
May all be blessed to read That Prophecy of St. John and see how important it is to obey The Church-Creating Word of The Son and Be as Catholic as we can!
“And I say unto you thou art Peter and on this rock I build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I give you the keys to The Kingdom of Heaven.”
~
Today’s Simple Rhyme: “The one Disciple Jesus loved most / told us to Be Catholic and not to be toast!”
~
