Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 30, 2019
First Reading: 1 John 2.12-17
12I am writing to you, little sons, because your sins are forgiven for the sake of his name13I am writing to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, adolescents, because you have overcome the evil one14I am writing to you, little children, because you have known the Father. I am writing to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one15Do not choose to love the world, nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the charity of the Father is not in him16For all that is in the world is the desire of the flesh, and the desire of the eyes, and the arrogance of a life which is not of the Father, but is of the world17And the world is passing away, with its desire. But whoever does the will of God abides unto eternity
Psalm 96
1A Canticle of David himself, when the house was built after the captivity. Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord, all the earth2Sing to the Lord and bless his name. Announce his salvation from day to day3Announce his glory among the Gentiles, his miracles among all peoples4For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. He is terrible, beyond all gods5For all the gods of the Gentiles are demons, but the Lord made the heavens6Confession and beauty are in his sight. Sanctity and magnificence are in his sanctuary7Bring to the Lord, you natives of the nations, bring to the Lord glory and honor8Bring to the Lord glory for his name. Lift up sacrifices, and enter into his courts9Adore the Lord in his holy court. Let the entire earth be shaken before his face10Say among the Gentiles: The Lord has reigned. For he has even corrected the whole world, which will not be shaken. He will judge the peoples with fairness11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth exult; let the sea and all its fullness be moved12The fields and all the things that are in them will be glad. Then all the trees of the forest will rejoic13before the face of the Lord: for he arrives. For he arrives to judge the earth. He will judge the whole world with fairness and the peoples with his truth
Gospel: Luke 2.36-40
36And there was a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very advanced in years, and she had lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity37And then she was a widow, even to her eighty-fourth year. And without departing from the temple, she was a servant to fasting and prayer, night and day38And entering at the same hour, she confessed to the Lord. And she spoke about him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Israel39And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city, Nazareth40Now the child grew, and he was strengthened with the fullness of wisdom. And the grace of God was in him
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of living a life aligned with God's will. The first reading from 1 John addresses various groups, emphasizing forgiveness, strength, and overcoming evil. John warns against the allure of the world, urging us to avoid its fleeting desires and instead seek eternal truths. The Gospel presents Anna, a prophetess whose life exemplifies dedication to God through prayer and fasting. Her recognition of Jesus as Israel's redemption highlights the rewards of a life devoted to divine purposes.
Both readings connect through the theme of living beyond worldly attachments. 1 John cautions against the transient nature of earthly desires, while Luke's portrayal of Anna illustrates the fruits of a life committed to God. Anna's unwavering faith and devotion serve as a model for us, showing how a life focused on God can lead to profound spiritual insight and fulfillment.
In our daily lives, we are called to reflect on our priorities. Let us avoid the distractions of the world and instead seek a deeper connection with God. By emulating Anna's dedication, we can cultivate a life of prayer and service, allowing us to recognize God's presence in our midst. The moral lesson here is clear: true strength and fulfillment come not from worldly pursuits, but from a life dedicated to God's will. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions and hearts reflect eternal values, rather than fleeting desires.