Daily Readings - Mon Dec 30 2019

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

Luke

Chapter 2

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.