Daily Readings - Wed Jan 02 2019
1 John
22Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.23No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.24Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.25And this is the promise that he made to us--eternal life.26I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.27But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything--and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you--abide in him.28And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
John
19And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"20He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."21And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not.Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."22So they said to him, "Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"23He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said."24(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)25They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"26John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,27even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."28These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the truth of Jesus Christ. It warns against those who would lead us astray and reminds us that our identity and eternal life are rooted in our relationship with the Father and the Son. The second reading from John's Gospel presents John the Baptist, who humbly clarifies his role as a precursor to Jesus, not the Messiah, but one who prepares the way for Him.
Both readings highlight the significance of truth and preparation. In 1 John, we are urged to hold fast to the teachings we have received, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God. In John's Gospel, John the Baptist exemplifies humility and clarity in his mission, pointing others to Jesus. These themes are interconnected, as staying grounded in truth prepares us to recognize and follow Jesus in our lives.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, avoiding false influences and staying humble. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we too can create space in our hearts for Jesus to be present. By living with integrity and humility, we embody the truth of Christ, allowing His light to shine through us. Let us strive to stay true to our faith and humbly serve as beacons of Christ's love in the world.