Daily Readings - Thu Dec 28 2017
First Reading - 1 John 1.5 – 2.2
1 John
5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8If we say that 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 that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Gospel - Matthew 2.13-18
Matthew
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.17Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,18In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about God's nature and our response to His grace. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes that God is light, devoid of darkness, and invites us to walk in this light through fellowship and honesty about our sins. John reminds us that Jesus, our advocate, offers forgiveness and cleansing, urging us to confess our sins rather than deny them.
The Gospel from Matthew narrates the Holy Family's flight to Egypt, highlighting God's providential protection and the tragic massacre of the innocents. This event underscores the harsh realities of a world in darkness, yet it also illustrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as the Holy Family's journey reflects Israel's history.
Both readings intertwine the themes of light versus darkness and redemption. John's letter calls us to live in the light of truth and humility, while Matthew's narrative shows God's intervention in the face of evil. Together, they remind us to trust in God's plan, even amidst adversity, and to seek forgiveness and fellowship. May we embrace the light of Christ, acknowledging our sins and trusting in His providence, allowing His grace to transform our lives.