Daily Readings - Tue Jan 02 2024
1 John
22Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.23No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.24Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.25And this is the promise that he made to us--eternal life.26I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.27But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything--and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you--abide in him.28And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
John
19And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"20He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."21And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not.Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."22So they said to him, "Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"23He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said."24(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)25They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"26John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,27even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."28These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about identity and humility. The First Reading from 1 John warns against denying Jesus as the Christ, labeling such denial as Antichrist. It urges believers to remain steadfast in the teachings of Jesus, promising eternal life and emphasizing the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel from John presents John the Baptist, who humbly clarifies his role, not as the Messiah, but as a preparer of the way for the Lord. He baptizes with water, yet acknowledges the presence of a greater figure, Jesus, who is among them.
These readings are set in contexts of clarification and testimony. John the Baptist's humility in the Gospel reflects his understanding of his role in God's plan, while 1 John addresses a community facing false teachings, urging them to hold fast to their faith. Both readings underscore the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and recognizing one's place in the divine scheme.
In our daily lives, these teachings remind us to remain grounded in our faith amidst confusion and to approach life with humility. Just as John the Baptist recognized his role, we too should acknowledge our place, trusting in God's plan. The moral lesson here is the importance of humility and faithfulness, encouraging us to stay true to our beliefs and trust in divine guidance.