The Anointing That Abides

Voice over by Eliz

1Jn 2:18-21; Psalm: 95; Jn 1:1-18

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, as we celebrate these days of Christmas, the Church does not shy away from the sobering reality that the Light of the World entered into a spiritual battle. Today, the beloved Apostle John assures us that we are not helpless in this struggle, for we possess a sacred anointing from God that enables us to abide in the Truth.

John writes with pastoral urgency, warning that “it is the last hour,” evidenced by the arrival of “many antichrists” who deny that Jesus is the Christ. These deceivers were once within the Christian community but have departed, revealing their true allegiance. Yet, John offers profound comfort: “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.” This anointing—the gift of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism and Confirmation—dwells within, teaching us to discern truth from falsehood. It is this inner, abiding presence that allows the faithful to remain steadfast when others fall away.

This anointing finds its source and summit in the magnificent Prologue of John’s Gospel. The “Holy One” from whom we receive this anointing is none other than the Eternal Word, who was “in the beginning with God,” through whom “all things came to be.” This divine Word, the source of all truth and life, “became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The antidote to the lies of the antichrists is the glorious, tangible reality of the Incarnation. In Jesus Christ, “the true light, which enlightens everyone,” has come into the world. To those who accept Him, He gives “power to become children of God.” This is the ultimate truth we are anointed to know and proclaim: God has become man.

The same Word who created the cosmos entered it to redeem it, and He now equips His Church with the Holy Spirit to guard this deposit of faith. As Pope St. John Paul II taught, “The Spirit is the guarantee of the faithfulness of the Church to the teaching of the Apostles.” The “anointing” is not a private feeling, but the living Tradition of the Church, guided by the Spirit of Truth, which protects us from error.

This offers us immense comfort and strength. In a world of conflicting voices and spiritual deception, we are not left to our own devices. We have been given the Holy Spirit and the teaching authority of the Church to guide us. The challenge is to remain in what we have been taught, to listen to the Spirit’s voice in prayer, and to conform our lives to the Truth made flesh.

Let us, therefore, hold fast to our anointing. Let us abide in the Light who is Christ, frequenting the Sacraments where His life is poured into us. As St. Augustine exhorts, “Let us then meditate on the things that are of the Word, that we may be fittingly anointed.” For in abiding in Him, we have the victory. Amen.