Daily Readings - Fri Dec 28 2018
1 John
5And this is the announcement which we have heard from him, and which we announce to you: that God is light, and in him there is no darkness6If we claim that we have fellowship with him, and yet we walk in darkness, then we are lying and not telling the truth7But if we walk in the light, just as he also is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin8If we claim that we have no sin, then we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us9If we confess our sins, then he is faithful and just, so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all iniquity10If we claim that we have not sinned, then we make him a liar, and his Word is not in us
Matthew
13And after they had gone away, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: "Rise up, and take the boy and his mother, and flee into Egypt. And remain there until I tell you. For it will happen that Herod will seek the boy to destroy him.14And getting up, he took the boy and his mother by night, and withdrew into Egypt15And he remained there, until the death of Herod, in order to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Out of Egypt, I called my son.16Then Herod, seeing that he had been fooled by the Magi, was very angry. And so he sent to kill all the boys who were in Bethlehem, and in all its borders, from two years of age and under, according to the time that he had learned by questioning the Magi17Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled, saying18"A voice has been heard in Ramah, great weeping and wailing: Rachel crying for her sons. And she was not willing to be consoled, because they were no more.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on the nature of God and the human condition, intertwined with a narrative of divine intervention and human tragedy. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that God is light, and to walk in this light requires acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness. This letter, written to early Christians grappling with the nature of faith and sin, emphasizes the importance of humility and the assurance of Jesus Christ as our advocate. The Gospel from Matthew recounts the flight into Egypt, where Joseph, guided by an angel, protects the Holy Family from Herod’s wrath. This narrative not only highlights the fulfillment of prophecy but also underscores the darker realities of human sin and the tragic consequences of unchecked power.
The connection between these readings lies in their exploration of light and darkness, both literally and metaphorically. In 1 John, the light of God’s truth exposes our sinfulness, yet it also offers redemption through confession and forgiveness. In Matthew, the light of God’s plan shines through the protection of the Holy Family, even as the darkness of Herod’s violence claims the lives of innocent children. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we navigate the interplay of light and darkness in our own lives. Just as Joseph trusted in God’s guidance, we too are called to trust in divine providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or fraught with danger.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded of the importance of humility and trust. Like the Holy Family, we may face unexpected challenges and be called to make difficult decisions. Yet, in these moments, we can turn to God, who is our light in the darkness. The moral lesson here is clear: acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness allows us to walk in the light of God’s truth, just as Joseph’s obedience and trust in God’s plan preserved the life of the Savior. May we, too, strive to live in this light, trusting in God’s providence and seeking forgiveness when we falter. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also become beacons of hope and light in a world often shrouded in darkness.