The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
Today is the Feast of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary (transferred from 3/25). The Gospel appointed for the Daily Office is part of the prologue of John. I’m not sure why this scripture was chosen to mark this event. The phrase that stands out is, “the world did not know him.”
This portion of the prologue almost acts as a summary of who Jesus is and what happened to him. Very simply, Jesus was the “true light” that enlightens everyone. He is God (world came into being through him). His own people didn’t accept him (ridiculed and criticized by the Pharisees and Scribes of the Jewish faith). Those who believed and received him were born of God by his power (Holy Baptism). He shows forth the glory of God, full of grace and truth.
The call today is “know him.” If we know Jesus, and we are born of God, we can become children of God. Therefore, in that context, we are heirs that have a share in the resurrection. We are to “know Jesus.” But not only to know Jesus, we are to make him known.
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