Daily Readings - Mon Jan 03 2022
1 John
22and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.23And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.24Whoever keeps his commandments abides in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.2By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,3and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.4Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.5They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.6We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
Matthew
12Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee.13And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,14so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:15"The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--16the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned."17From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."23And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.24So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.25And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
Sermon
Beloved, today’s readings guide us on a journey of faith and discernment, urging us to embody the truth of God in our lives. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that true faith is rooted in love and obedience to God’s commandments. John warns us to discern spirits, ensuring our beliefs align with God’s truth, and not be swayed by false prophets. This calls us to a life of authenticity and commitment to God’s will.
In the Gospel, Matthew illustrates Jesus’ ministry as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting His role as the light in darkness. Jesus’ actions—preaching, teaching, and healing—demonstrate the power of living out one’s faith. His ministry shows us that faith is not just internal but also external, manifesting in our actions and interactions with the world.
As we reflect on these readings, let us strive to balance internal faith with external actions. May we discern truth in our lives, just as John advises, and trust in God’s plan, as Jesus did. Let us live out our faith by loving others and staying true to God’s teachings, embodying the light of Christ in our world. May our lives be a testament to God’s love, guiding others from darkness to light. Amen.