Daily Readings - Thu Jan 05 2023
1 John
11For this is the announcement that you heard from the beginning: that you should love one another12Do not be like Cain, who was of the evil one, and who killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because his own works were wicked, but his brother’s works were just13If the world hates you, brothers, do not be surprised14We know that we have passed from death to life. For we love as brothers. Whoever does not love, abides in death15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding within him16We know the love of God in this way: because he laid down his life for us. And so, we must lay down our lives for our brothers17Whoever possesses the goods of this world, and sees his brother to be in need, and yet closes his heart to him: in what way does the love of God abide in him18My little sons, let us not love in words only, but in works and in truth19In this way, we will know that we are of the truth, and we will commend our hearts in his sight20For even if our heart reproaches us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows all things21Most beloved, if our heart does not reproach us, we can have confidence toward God
John
43On the next day, he wanted to go into Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, "Follow me.44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter45Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the Law and the Prophets: Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.46And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good be from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see.47Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, and he said about him, "Behold, an Israelite in whom truly there is no deceit.48Nathanael said to him, "From where do you know me?" Jesus responded and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.49Nathanael answered him and said: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel.50Jesus responded and said to him: "Because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree, you believe. Greater things than these, you will see.51And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the Angels of God ascending and descending over the Son of man.
Sermon
The first reading from 1 John reminds us of the fundamental commandment of love. John emphasizes that love is not merely a feeling or words, but it must be expressed in actions. He warns against hatred and selfishness, which lead to death, and encourages us to lay down our lives for one another. This love is not abstract; it is concrete, like sharing our resources with those in need. John also reassures us that if our hearts do not condemn us, we can have confidence in God’s presence in our lives.
The Gospel reading from John tells the story of Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael. Philip, after being called by Jesus, immediately shares the news with Nathanael, who is skeptical at first but eventually comes to faith. Jesus reveals his knowledge of Nathanael, and Nathanael confesses Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel. Jesus then promises that Nathanael will see even greater things, emphasizing the unfolding revelation of God’s plan. This passage highlights the importance of invitation, openness to God’s call, and the deeper understanding that comes from following Jesus.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith. John’s letter challenges us to love not just in words but in deeds, while the Gospel shows us the transformative power of encountering Christ. Like Nathanael, we are called to move beyond our doubts and preconceptions to follow Jesus with openness and trust. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living out the love of God in tangible ways? Are we open to the ways God is revealing himself to us? May we, like Nathanael, come to see Jesus more clearly and follow him with greater fidelity, trusting that he has even greater things in store for us.