Daily Readings - Mon Dec 30 2019
1 John
12I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.14I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world.17And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Luke
36And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,37and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.38And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.39And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.40And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of living a life aligned with God's will. The first reading from 1 John addresses various groups, emphasizing forgiveness, strength, and overcoming evil. John warns against the allure of the world, urging us to avoid its fleeting desires and instead seek eternal truths. The Gospel presents Anna, a prophetess whose life exemplifies dedication to God through prayer and fasting. Her recognition of Jesus as Israel's redemption highlights the rewards of a life devoted to divine purposes.
Both readings connect through the theme of living beyond worldly attachments. 1 John cautions against the transient nature of earthly desires, while Luke's portrayal of Anna illustrates the fruits of a life committed to God. Anna's unwavering faith and devotion serve as a model for us, showing how a life focused on God can lead to profound spiritual insight and fulfillment.
In our daily lives, we are called to reflect on our priorities. Let us avoid the distractions of the world and instead seek a deeper connection with God. By emulating Anna's dedication, we can cultivate a life of prayer and service, allowing us to recognize God's presence in our midst. The moral lesson here is clear: true strength and fulfillment come not from worldly pursuits, but from a life dedicated to God's will. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions and hearts reflect eternal values, rather than fleeting desires.