Daily Readings - Sat Dec 28 2019
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of light, sin, and God’s providential care. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that God is light, and to walk in His light means living in truth and acknowledging our sinfulness. John emphasizes that while we are sinners, God’s mercy is abundant, and through confession, we receive forgiveness. This passage calls us to humility and honesty before God, recognizing that His light exposes our sins but also offers us cleansing through the blood of Christ.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a dramatic scene from the early life of Jesus. The Holy Family’s flight into Egypt underscores God’s protective care over His Son, even in the face of danger. Herod’s violence against the innocent children of Bethlehem, however, reveals the darkness of sin and the opposition to God’s plan. This narrative reminds us that following God does not mean escaping all trials but trusting in His providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering.
Both readings encourage us to live in the light of God’s truth and to trust in His care. Like the Holy Family, we may face challenges, but we are called to walk in faith, knowing that God’s light will guide us. Let us examine our lives, confess our sins, and trust in God’s mercy. May we, like Joseph, obey God’s will and find refuge in Him, for He is our Advocate and our Savior.