Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. I write you these things about those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him. And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming.
REFLECTION
Who are Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen?
St. Gregory said of his friend after his death, "We seemed to have one soul, inhabiting two bodies."
Both saints had similar backgrounds, interests, and vocations.
Basil and Gregory came from saintly families and they met at University in Caesarea Cappadocia. They both studied theology and became influential theologians. But Basil was drawn to learn about monasticism.
Basil studied monasticism and started a monastic order, which his friend Gregory joined. Basil's community of monks became champions for the poor. He organized his monks to help the poor during a famine. He gave money to feed the poor, he built a church, a hospital, and a guesthouse. He brought gifts to the poor children at Christmas time. He was compassionate and generous and the people loved him.
But Basil was made a bishop of Caesarea. The Arian heresy was like a disease. Bishops in nearby towns pleaded with Basil to help them. As a result, Basil ordained Gregory bishop. He sent him to preach and defend the faith. They both fought the Arian heresy, which claimed that Jesus was not God. Due to their persistence, clear teachings, and love for the Church, they were able to defeat Arianism. Their writings about the Divinity of Christ and the Trinity are still studied today.
It is befitting that the Catholic Church in her wisdom celebrates these two Saints and Doctors of the Church today, January 2nd.
"Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well." Arius was a heretic. The Church must defend the truths of our faith against such attacks.
St. Basil and St.Gregory persevered in protecting the Church's teachings. Let us pray that all clergy will persevere in holiness and defend the truths of our faith as the forefathers have done.
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