Daily Readings - Sat Jan 11 2020
1 John
14And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.15And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.16If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life--to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.17All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.18We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.19We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.20And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.21Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
John
22After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.23John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized24(for John had not yet been put in prison).25Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification.26And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness--look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him."27John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.28You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'29The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.30He must increase, but I must decrease."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on trust, humility, and the nature of God's plan. The first reading from 1 John reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of understanding sin. John reassures us that our prayers are heard when they align with God's will, encouraging us to intercede for others, especially those who sin. He distinguishes between sin that leads to death and other sins, emphasizing that not all sins are equal. This letter, written to early Christians facing Gnostic influences, reinforces the belief that those born of God do not sin and warns against idolatry, urging us to remain faithful to the true God.
The Gospel from John illustrates John the Baptist's humility and recognition of Jesus' supremacy. As Jesus' disciples baptize, a dispute arises, but John gracefully deflects attention, stating he is not the Messiah but merely the precursor. He joyfully steps back, acknowledging that Jesus must become central. This passage highlights the transition from John's ministry to Jesus', emphasizing the humility required to recognize and yield to God's plan.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's will, pray with confidence, and embrace humility. Like John the Baptist, we must recognize when it's time to step back and let Christ take center stage. Avoiding idolatry means keeping our focus on God, not worldly distractions. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, practice humility, and let Jesus be the heart of our lives. As we navigate life's challenges, may we find strength in prayer and humility, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ.