Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 7, 2022
First Reading: 1 John 5.5-13
5Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?6This is he who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.7For there are three that testify:8the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.9If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son.10Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.11And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.
Psalm 147
1Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.2The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.3He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.4He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.5Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.6The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.7Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre!8He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills.9He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry.10His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,11but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.12Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!13For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.14He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat.15He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.16He gives snow like wool; he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.17He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold?18He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.19He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and rules to Israel.20He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his rules. Praise the LORD!
Gospel: Luke 5.12-16
12While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean."13And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him.14And he charged him to tell no one, but "go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them."15But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities.16But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, healing, and the nature of God. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes that true victory over the world comes through belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It highlights the unity of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and reminds us that eternal life is found in the Son. The Gospel from Luke illustrates this theology through the story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy. The leper’s humility and faith in Jesus’ power to heal are met with compassion and immediate action, demonstrating Jesus’ divine authority and mercy.
The connection between these readings lies in their focus on faith and trust in God. The epistle provides the theological foundation, while the Gospel shows this faith in action. The leper’s plea, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean,” reflects the kind of faith that 1 John describes as overcoming the world. Jesus’ response, “I am willing,” reveals God’s desire to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually. This exchange reminds us that our faith is not just intellectual assent but a trusting surrender to God’s will and power in our lives.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Do we approach God with the humility and trust of the leper? Are we willing to surrender our fears and doubts to God’s mercy? The readings call us to deepen our faith and to live as witnesses to God’s love and power. Just as the leper was healed and sent to testify to God’s work, we too are called to share the good news of eternal life in Jesus Christ. May we, like the leper, experience the healing touch of Jesus and then go forth to proclaim His goodness to a world in need.