Daily Readings - Mon Jan 06 2025
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
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound interplay between faith, love, and the triumph of light over darkness. The First Letter of John emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's commandments, particularly the commandment to love one another. John warns us to discern the spirits, recognizing that not every influence is of God. He assures us that we, as children of God, have overcome the forces of darkness because the Spirit of God dwells within us. This letter invites us to live in truth and love, trusting in God's presence and guidance.
The Gospel of Matthew illustrates this message through the actions of Jesus. After withdrawing to Galilee, Jesus begins his ministry, fulfilling the prophecy that light would shine in the darkness. His preaching, healing, and compassionate care for the sick and afflicted demonstrate the kingdom of God breaking into the world. Jesus' ministry is a testament to the power of light overcoming darkness, bringing hope and salvation to all who seek Him.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to embody the light of Christ in our daily lives. Just as Jesus brought light to those in darkness, we are to be beacons of hope and love in a world often shrouded in shadows. Let us trust in the Spirit within us, discerning truth from falsehood, and living with the confidence that God's light will guide us. May we, like Jesus, bring healing and hope to those around us, remembering that we are children of light, called to reflect God's love and truth in all we do.