Daily Readings - Thu Dec 28 2017
1 John
5This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Matthew
13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."14And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son."16Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.17Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:18"A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about God's nature and our response to His grace. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes that God is light, devoid of darkness, and invites us to walk in this light through fellowship and honesty about our sins. John reminds us that Jesus, our advocate, offers forgiveness and cleansing, urging us to confess our sins rather than deny them.
The Gospel from Matthew narrates the Holy Family's flight to Egypt, highlighting God's providential protection and the tragic massacre of the innocents. This event underscores the harsh realities of a world in darkness, yet it also illustrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as the Holy Family's journey reflects Israel's history.
Both readings intertwine the themes of light versus darkness and redemption. John's letter calls us to live in the light of truth and humility, while Matthew's narrative shows God's intervention in the face of evil. Together, they remind us to trust in God's plan, even amidst adversity, and to seek forgiveness and fellowship. May we embrace the light of Christ, acknowledging our sins and trusting in His providence, allowing His grace to transform our lives.