Daily Readings - Fri Jan 03 2025

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

The readings today invite us to reflect on our identity as children of God and the profound love He has shown us in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to take away the sin of the world. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that we are called to live as sons and daughters of God, a truth that should transform how we see ourselves and how we live. John emphasizes that our hope in Christ should lead us to holiness, for sin contradicts the very nature of God, and those who abide in Him do not sin. This passage challenges us to examine our lives and strive for purity of heart as we await the full revelation of what we shall be when Christ appears. In the Gospel, John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This title, "Lamb of God," is rich in meaning, recalling the sacrifices of the Old Testament and foreshadowing Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross. John's testimony also highlights the Holy Spirit's role in revealing Jesus' true identity as the Son of God. This passage reminds us that our encounter with Christ is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and it calls us to bear witness to Jesus in our own lives, just as John did. These readings are deeply connected. Both emphasize the transformative power of God's love and the call to holiness. As children of God, we are called to live in a way that reflects our divine adoption, avoiding sin and striving to be like Christ. In our daily lives, this means living with integrity, loving one another, and being mindful of the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides us. Let us ask ourselves: Do we truly live as children of God? Do we allow the Spirit to transform us and empower us to witness to the love of Christ in the world? May we embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God and live in a way that reflects the hope and holiness He has given us.