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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God… And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among
us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s
only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:1; 14
The Prologue to John’s Gospel, John 1:1-18, is one of the most
profound and theologically rich passages in Scripture. It is both
contemplative and mysterious, inviting us to come to know God in
His essence through the depth of contemplative prayer.
The opening words, “In the beginning…,” echo the Book of Genesis,
revealing the eternal and preexistent nature of the Son of God.
Saint John the Evangelist, through a special grace of infused
contemplative knowledge, understood that Jesus was the Word,
eternally spoken by the Father, and co-existing with Him for all
eternity. He recognized that the Word took on human nature,
becoming flesh and dwelling among us.
Consider the thoughts of Saint John as he wrote these words for the
first time. He had spent about three years with the Eternal Word
made flesh—walking with Him, listening to His teachings, and
witnessing His miracles, His rejection, His suffering, His death,
and His Resurrection. He stood with the others as Jesus ascended
into Heaven and experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at
Pentecost.
After Pentecost, John’s understanding of Jesus deepened. Through
prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist, John discovered his
Lord in an even more intimate and transformative way. The Eternal
Word, though no longer walking the earth, was now present within
him by grace. This abiding presence became more real to him than
ever before.
Like John, we are called to know the Eternal Word as He continues
to dwell among us through the Sacraments, in prayer, in the
Scriptures, and within our souls. We are invited to be transformed
by His presence so that we may become His living members within the
Church.
This deep union with Christ is only possible when we allow
ourselves to be drawn into the mysteries of the Incarnation and
redemption. While our minds can grasp these mysteries to a certain
extent, true understanding comes through infused contemplative
knowledge, a gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
Reflect today on Saint John the Evangelist as he wrote his
Prologue. Consider the gift of contemplative understanding he
received, the transformation that occurred within his soul, and the
intimacy he shared with God. Each of us is called to this same life
of interior union and contemplation. Let this beautiful and
mysterious Prologue draw you deeper into prayer and into the
mystery of the Word made flesh.
My Eternal Word of God, You existed before time began, in
perfect union with the Father and the Holy Spirit. During this
octave of Christmas, we reflect on Your Incarnation, Your becoming
flesh to dwell among us and within us by grace. Please reveal to me
this great mystery so that I may believe with the same faith as
Saint John, Your beloved disciple. Jesus, I trust in You.
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