Daily Readings - Thu Dec 28 2023
1 John
5This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Matthew
13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."14And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son."16Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.17Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:18"A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s light and our response to His will in times of uncertainty. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that God is light, and to walk in His light means to live in truth and fellowship with one another. John emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our sins and confessing them, for it is only through such humility that we can experience God’s forgiveness and cleansing. This passage calls us to honesty before God and to trust in His mercy.
The Gospel from Matthew recounts the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt to escape Herod’s persecution. This narrative highlights the humanity of Jesus and the challenges faced by His family, as well as the faith and obedience of Joseph, who trusted in God’s guidance. The story also fulfills prophecy, showing how God’s plan unfolds even in the midst of danger and uncertainty. Just as the Holy Family had to trust in God’s providence, we too are called to trust in His plan for our lives, even when the path ahead seems difficult or unclear.
Both readings remind us that following God requires humility, trust, and obedience. In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our faith and our willingness to walk in the light of God’s truth. Like the Holy Family, we may encounter unexpected challenges, but we can draw strength from their example. Let us strive to live in honesty and humility, confessing our sins and trusting in God’s mercy. May we also imitate Joseph’s faith, listening to God’s voice and trusting in His plan, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.