Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 27, 2019
First Reading: 1 John 1.1-4
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life--2the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us--3that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.4And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
Psalm 97
1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!2Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.3Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.4His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles.5The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.6The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.7All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!8Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD.9For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.10O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.11Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.12Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
Gospel: John 20.2-8
2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."3So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.4Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.5And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there,7and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.8Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful testimonies of faith and the transformative power of the resurrection. The First Reading from 1 John emphasizes the reality of the Word of Life, incarnate in Jesus Christ, and the joy of fellowship that comes from sharing this truth. The Gospel from John vividly describes the discovery of the empty tomb by Peter and the other disciple, highlighting their journey from doubt to belief.
These passages are deeply connected, as both center on the theme of testimony and belief. John's letter serves as a testament to the reality of the Incarnation, while the Gospel narrative shows the disciples' personal encounter with the risen Christ. The empty tomb and the neatly arranged linens are signs that invite us to trust in God's Word and to experience the joy of new life in Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to the signs God places in our lives? Do we allow ourselves to be transformed by the power of the resurrection? Let us, like the disciples, approach life's challenges with courage and openness, trusting in God's plan. May we, too, see and believe, and may our lives bear witness to the joy and hope that only Christ can give.