Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

Lamps are made needless by the advent of the sun; and, on the appearance of the truth, the occupation of the Law is gone, and prophecy is hushed into silence. He, on the contrary, who has been empowered to look down into the depth of the meaning of the Law, and, after passing through the obscurity of the letter, as through a veil, to arrive within things unspeakable, is like Moses taking off the veil when he spoke with God. He, too, turns from the letter to the Spirit.” St Basil

 

This text from St Basil deserves to be read over and over. For it speaks of the illumination of and penetration into the truth with the eyes of a believer. The faithful disciple breaks through the law which now seems to only be a shadowy reflection of the truth.

 

The commandments of Jesus step down through all other commandments. To help us move beyond written word and constructs to see that the truth of Jesus Christ is love and borne of love. Love is breath. Love is food. Love is our hearts true desire. The truth is visible and shining for all to see. A light that shines through all darkness and envelopes the whole world.

 

Yet many who call his name do not see the light for what it is. They cling to laws and rules and habit of the created to impotently attempt at following the Christ. Their hearts are hard and closed because they do not believe in the truth. That his love is unconditional. That they are desperately loved.

 

But they live like little children with hearts that are pouting and lashing out not knowing why they are hurting and not knowing why they cannot have the false things they want in this life for they were born for the next life.

 

St Basil tells us to look beyond the law. Look deeper in our hearts and in the Sacred Heart of Jesus to see the truth. Love is and has been forever. The reason some fail to see the truth is they have been convinced by the evil one that God does not love them. Like toddlers who have had dangerous shiny things taken away from them, they feel like something was taken from them, they incorrectly believe is good. So they struggle to see the truth, for to see it requires surrender and acceptance of his overwhelming love. A love that surrounds us, engulfs us. Allows us to live as we were created for, as children of God.

 

We are called today to listen to John the Baptist with new ears and new hearts that let go of control and demands for things that do not serve us well. And start by giving Jesus Christ control of our life. Surrender our fears and doubts and anxiety and give them to him. And then fill our day and hearts with his love and Word. Love God with all you have. And love others as yourself. These are key steps and signs that you and I are on the right path. The path cleared out for us by Jesus Christ.