Daily Readings - Fri Dec 31 2021
1 John
18Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.20But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.21I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
John
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2He was in the beginning with God.3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.4In him was life, and the life was the light of men.5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.15(John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'")16And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.18No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with profound reflections on truth, light, and the nature of God. The first reading from 1 John warns us about the presence of antichrists, false teachers who lead others astray. John reassures us that we have the anointing of the Holy One, granting us the knowledge of the truth, and urges us to remain steadfast in our faith. The Gospel from John, known as the prologue, beautifully describes Jesus as the Word, who is with God and is God. It emphasizes Jesus as the source of life and light, who came into the world but was not recognized by His own. Those who accept Him become children of God, born of the Spirit.
These readings, though distinct, are deeply connected. The first reading from 1 John serves as a warning against false teachings, while the Gospel provides the foundation of our truth in Jesus Christ. Together, they highlight the contrast between truth and falsehood, light and darkness. John's Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the true light, illuminating every person, and it is through Him that we receive grace and truth.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to discern truth amidst conflicting ideas and to remain faithful. They encourage us to recognize and hold onto the light of Christ, even when surrounded by darkness. The moral lesson here is the importance of spiritual discernment and steadfastness in our faith. As we navigate the world, may we rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, staying grounded in the truth of Jesus Christ. Let us embrace the grace and truth He brings, living authentically as children of God, born of the Spirit.