Daily Readings - Thu Dec 30 2021

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

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of our relationship with God and the world around us. In the first reading from 1 John, we hear a message of hope and caution. John addresses different members of the community—little children, fathers, young men—and reminds them of their identity in Christ. He emphasizes that our sins are forgiven through the name of Jesus, and he warns us not to love the world or the things of the world. He explains that the world’s desires—flesh, eyes, and pride—are fleeting and not from God. Instead, he encourages us to do the will of God, which endures forever. This passage calls us to examine where our hearts are rooted: in the eternal love of God or in the temporary allurements of the world. In the Gospel, we encounter Anna, a prophetess who embodies a life of devotion and faithfulness. Anna, a widow who has spent most of her life in prayer and fasting, recognizes the infant Jesus as the redemption of Israel. Her story teaches us about perseverance, dedication, and the importance of staying connected to God through constant prayer. Anna’s life was not one of worldly success or comfort, but it was rich in spirit. She exemplifies how living in accordance with God’s will, even in simplicity and humility, can lead to profound spiritual insights and a deep sense of purpose. Together, these readings remind us that our true strength and identity come from God. Like Anna, we are called to live lives of prayer, trust, and fidelity, even when the world around us seems uncertain. John’s warning about the fleeting nature of worldly desires encourages us to prioritize what truly lasts: our relationship with God and living according to His will. Let us ask ourselves: Are we rooted in the eternal love of God, or are we chasing the temporary things of this world? May we strive to live like Anna, with hearts fixed on God, and may we find strength in His Word, which abides in us forever.