Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 3, 2026
First Reading: 1 John 2.29; 3.1-6
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
Psalm 98
1A Psalm of David himself. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has performed wonders. His right hand has accomplished salvation for him, with his holy arm2The Lord has made known his salvation. He has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations3He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God4Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. Sing and exult, and sing psalms5Sing psalms to the Lord with stringed instruments, with strings and the voice of a psalmist6with subtle wind instruments and the voice of woodwinds. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king7Let the sea be moved and all its fullness, the whole world and all who dwell in it8The rivers will clap their hands, the mountains will exult together9before the presence of the Lord. For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the whole world with justice, and the peoples with fairness
Gospel: John 1.29-34
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
Today's first reading from the First Letter of John reminds us of the extraordinary gift of God's love: that we are called, and truly become, children of God. This profound identity carries a corresponding call to holiness and justice. If we know that God is just, then those who do what is just are born of Him. John emphasizes that everyone who lives with this hope in Christ keeps himself holy, because Christ Himself is holy. Sin, he explains, is iniquity, and Christ appeared precisely to take away our sins, for there is no sin in Him. To abide in Him means not to live in sin. This truth is beautifully complemented by John the Baptist's testimony in today's Gospel. He identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," confirming His divine mission and pre-existence, a mission inaugurated and witnessed by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Him.
These readings illuminate each other perfectly, showing us both our exalted status and the means by which it is achieved. The First Letter of John tells us *what* we are and *how* we should live as children of God—in holiness, free from sin—while the Gospel tells us *who* makes this possible: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. It is through Him that our sins are taken away, and it is in Him that we find the power to live righteously. This isn't merely a theological concept; it is a call to daily life. If we truly believe we are God's children, chosen and loved, then our actions must reflect this dignity. We are to strive for justice, to resist sin, and to continually turn to Christ for strength and forgiveness, knowing that He has already paid the price for our redemption.
Our hope in Christ is not a passive expectation, but an active principle that transforms our lives. To keep ourselves holy, just as He is holy, means making conscious choices each day that align with God's will and reflect His love to those around us. This profound identity as "sons and daughters of God" is not something we await, but a present reality that empowers us to overcome the challenges of sin and temptation. Let us therefore live each day with gratitude for this incredible gift, allowing the cleansing power of the Lamb of God to purify our hearts and guide our steps toward a life that truly manifests our divine sonship.