Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 4, 2018
First Reading: 1 John 3.7-10
7Little sons, let no one deceive you. Whoever does justice is just, even as he also is just8Whoever commits sin is of the devil. For the devil sins from the beginning. For this reason, the Son of God appeared, so that he might eradicate the works of the devil9All those who have been born of God do not commit sin. For the offspring of God abides in them, and he is not able to sin, because he was born of God10In this way, the sons of God are made manifest, and also the sons of the devil. Everyone who is not just, is not of God, as also anyone who does not love his brother
Psalm 98
1A Psalm of David himself. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has performed wonders. His right hand has accomplished salvation for him, with his holy arm2The Lord has made known his salvation. He has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations3He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God4Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. Sing and exult, and sing psalms5Sing psalms to the Lord with stringed instruments, with strings and the voice of a psalmist6with subtle wind instruments and the voice of woodwinds. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king7Let the sea be moved and all its fullness, the whole world and all who dwell in it8The rivers will clap their hands, the mountains will exult together9before the presence of the Lord. For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the whole world with justice, and the peoples with fairness
Gospel: John 1.35-42
35The next day again, John was standing with two of his disciples36And catching sight of Jesus walking, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God.37And two disciples were listening to him speaking. And they followed Jesus38Then Jesus, turning around and seeing them following him, said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi (which means in translation, Teacher), where do you live?39He said to them, "Come and see." They went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. Now it was about the tenth hour40And Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who had heard about him from John and had followed him41First, he found his brother Simon, and he said to him, "We have found the Messiah," (which is translated as the Christ)42And he led him to Jesus. And Jesus, gazing at him, said: "You are Simon, son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas," (which is translated as Peter)
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of righteousness, sin, and the transformative encounter with Jesus. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes that those born of God do not sin because His seed abides in them. John distinguishes between the sons of God and the sons of the devil, urging us to live justly and love our brothers. The Gospel from John illustrates this through the story of John the Baptist directing his disciples to Jesus. The disciples follow Jesus, spend time with Him, and Andrew introduces his brother Peter, who is transformed by the encounter.
The context of 1 John is a letter to early Christians, encouraging righteous living and love. The Gospel scene is set in the early days of Jesus' ministry, showing how His presence calls and transforms individuals. Both readings connect by highlighting the call to live according to God's will and the impact of encountering Jesus, which leads to transformation and sharing the Good News with others.
Applying this to daily life, we are reminded to examine our actions and strive for justice, recognizing sin's presence. Like Andrew, we should invite others to experience Jesus. The moral lesson is clear: our actions reflect our relationship with God. Following Jesus and allowing His presence to transform us is key. Just as Peter was renamed, our encounter with Jesus should lead to a new life of love and service, embodying our identity as God's children.