Reflection
. . . for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.
-1 John 2:8
In 1935, T.S. Eliot published the play Murder in the Cathedral, which tells the story of the death of Thomas Becket. Becket was a childhood friend of Henry II of England. When Henry II became king, he appointed Becket as the Primate of England, a role like today’s Prime Minister. Initially, their relationship was strong, but Henry II wanted more power over the Church and sought Becket’s help as an “inside man.” Despite Becket’s pleas not to be appointed Archbishop of Canterbury—the highest ordained position in the Church of England—he was ordained a priest and, the very next day, made Archbishop.
Becket’s new position transformed him. He became a compassionate leader, helping the poor and serving as a faithful shepherd to the people. Over time, disagreements arose between Henry II and Becket concerning the roles of Church and State. One night, in a drunken rage, Henry II expressed his frustration with Becket. Four loyal knights took this as an order to kill the Archbishop. They traveled to Canterbury Cathedral and murdered Becket as he was celebrating a private mass.
The First Letter of John encourages us to follow Christ by keeping his commandments—namely, to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The message distinguishes between walking in the light and walking in darkness. In the story of Becket and Henry II, two leaders made different choices: one chose the darkness of the thirst for power, while the other followed the path of Light and was transformed. Even during Jesus’ time, some believed they were following God through strict adherence to laws, but their focus on rules blinded them to the true Light when He appeared.
Christmas serves as a reminder that the Light has entered the world, and we have the choice to walk in the Light or to pursue the path of darkness. Simeon, who waited patiently in the Temple for the Messiah, was blessed to see the true Light before he died. Imagine the great joy Simeon must have felt!
His words from today’s Gospel invite us to reflect:
Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.
We do not need to wait any longer. The Light of the World has come—Emmanuel, God with us.
May the coming New Year bring you peace and joy!
