Stay on the Straight and Narrow

 

LECTIO:         1 Jn 2:1-5a

My children, I am writing this to you
so that you may not commit sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep
his commandments.
Those who say, "I know him," but do not keep his commandments
are liars, and the truth is not in them.
But whoever keeps his word,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.

STUDIUM:

Don't you love the salutation--"My Children"? When John wrote this, he must have been pretty old.  Everyone must seem like children to him.  And his tone continues.  He's not grouchy.  He's not a grumpy, old man.  He just doesn't want his children to sin.  He wants his children to stay close to Jesus.

MEDITATIO:

And even when the children do stray, John wants them to know that Jesus is on their side.  They should try to stay united to Jesus by keeping His commandments.  

ORATIO:

Lord, keep hold of my hand.

CONTEMPLATIO:

Be perfect like Jesus is perfect.