Daily Readings - Fri Dec 28 2018
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 reflections on the nature of God and the human condition, intertwined with a narrative of divine intervention and human tragedy. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that God is light, and to walk in this light requires acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness. This letter, written to early Christians grappling with the nature of faith and sin, emphasizes the importance of humility and the assurance of Jesus Christ as our advocate. The Gospel from Matthew recounts the flight into Egypt, where Joseph, guided by an angel, protects the Holy Family from Herod’s wrath. This narrative not only highlights the fulfillment of prophecy but also underscores the darker realities of human sin and the tragic consequences of unchecked power.
The connection between these readings lies in their exploration of light and darkness, both literally and metaphorically. In 1 John, the light of God’s truth exposes our sinfulness, yet it also offers redemption through confession and forgiveness. In Matthew, the light of God’s plan shines through the protection of the Holy Family, even as the darkness of Herod’s violence claims the lives of innocent children. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we navigate the interplay of light and darkness in our own lives. Just as Joseph trusted in God’s guidance, we too are called to trust in divine providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or fraught with danger.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded of the importance of humility and trust. Like the Holy Family, we may face unexpected challenges and be called to make difficult decisions. Yet, in these moments, we can turn to God, who is our light in the darkness. The moral lesson here is clear: acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness allows us to walk in the light of God’s truth, just as Joseph’s obedience and trust in God’s plan preserved the life of the Savior. May we, too, strive to live in this light, trusting in God’s providence and seeking forgiveness when we falter. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also become beacons of hope and light in a world often shrouded in darkness.