Daily Readings - Wed Dec 30 2020
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 encounter two powerful calls to live our lives with a focus on the eternal rather than the fleeting. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that our true identity and strength come from God. John addresses different groups—little children, fathers, young men—each with a unique reminder of their relationship with God. He warns us against the allure of the world, which can lead us away from God’s love. The things of this world, driven by fleshly desires and pride, are transient and will pass away. True fulfillment and lasting peace come from doing God’s will and abiding in His love.
The Gospel presents us with the figure of Anna, a prophetess whose life was a testament to unwavering faith and devotion. As a widow who spent her days in prayer and fasting, Anna exemplifies what it means to live a life rooted in God. Her recognition of the infant Jesus and her eagerness to share the news with others show us the fruit of a life dedicated to seeking God. Anna’s story teaches us that when we prioritize prayer and a deep relationship with God, we become attuned to His presence and purposes in the world.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are we allowing the world to shape our desires and priorities, or are we seeking to live according to God’s will? Like Anna, we are called to cultivate a life of prayer and devotion, trusting that God’s plan for us is greater than anything the world can offer. Let us evaluate where our hearts are rooted and strive to live in a way that reflects our eternal identity in Christ. By doing so, we will find true strength, wisdom, and fulfillment, even in the midst of life’s challenges.