Daily Readings - Fri Jan 03 2020

1 John

Chapter 2

²⁹If you know that he is just, then know, too, that all who do what is just are born of him

¹See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we would be called, and would become, the sons of God. Because of this, the world does not know us, for it did not know him²Most beloved, we are now the sons of God. But what we shall be then has not yet appeared. We know that when he does appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is³And everyone who holds this hope in him, keeps himself holy, just as he also is holy⁴Everyone who commits a sin, also commits iniquity. For sin is iniquity⁵And you know that he appeared in order that he might take away our sins. For in him there is no sin⁶Everyone who abides in him does not sin. For whoever sins has not seen him, and has not known him

John

Chapter 1

²⁹On the next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and so he said: "Behold, the Lamb of God. Behold, he who takes away the sin of the world³⁰This is the one about whom I said, ‘After me arrives a man, who has been placed ahead of me, because he existed before me.³¹And I did not know him. Yet it is for this reason that I come baptizing with water: so that he may be made manifest in Israel.³²And John offered testimony, saying: "For I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove; and he remained upon him³³And I did not know him. But he who sent me to baptize with water said to me: ‘He over whom you will see the Spirit descending and remaining upon him, this is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.³⁴And I saw, and I gave testimony: that this one is the Son of God.

Sermon

In today's readings, we are reminded of our profound identity as children of God and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. The first reading from 1 John invites us to embrace our divine adoption, urging us to live holy lives as we await the full revelation of God's plan. It emphasizes that sin is iniquity, yet through Jesus, our sins are taken away, enabling us to abide in Him without sin. The Gospel of John presents John the Baptist's testimony, declaring Jesus as the Lamb of God who removes the world's sin, confirmed by the Holy Spirit's descent upon Him. These passages beautifully intertwine, with 1 John providing the theological foundation of our holy calling and the Gospel illustrating how Jesus embodies this redemption. Together, they highlight Jesus as both the example of holiness and the source of our salvation. Recognizing our identity as God's children should inspire us to pursue holiness, while trusting in Jesus' power to overcome sin. In our daily lives, let us embrace our divine identity, striving to live in accordance with God's will. May we find strength in Jesus, who not only reveals God's love but also empowers us to live sin-free lives. As we journey through life, may we continually seek to reflect God's holiness, trusting in Jesus as our savior and guide.