Daily Readings - Fri Dec 29 2017
First Reading - 1 John 2.3-11
1 John
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
Gospel - Luke 2.22-35
Luke
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about faith, love, and the light of Christ. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that knowing God is not merely intellectual but demonstrated through obedience to His commandments and love for one another. John warns against the darkness of hatred, emphasizing that true followers of Christ walk in His light, characterized by love and unity. The Gospel from Luke presents the scene of Jesus' presentation in the temple, where Simeon prophetically declares Jesus as the light to the nations, bringing revelation and glory. This moment also foretells the sorrow Mary will endure, symbolizing the sword that pierces her soul, revealing the hearts of many.
Both readings, though from different contexts, converge on the theme of light overcoming darkness. John's epistle, written to early Christians facing Gnostic challenges, underscores the importance of living out faith through love and obedience. Luke's narrative, part of the infancy story, highlights Jesus' mission as the universal savior, fulfilling Jewish law and initiating His redemptive work. Together, they illustrate that faith is both personal and communal, requiring us to embody God's love and light in our actions.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to reflect God's light by loving others and adhering to His commandments. Let us walk in the light of Christ, choosing love over hatred and obedience over indifference. May our faith be a beacon of hope, inspiring others to seek the truth and love of God. As Simeon's prophecy reminds us, Jesus is the revelation to all people, and our lives should reflect His light, guiding others through the darkness. Let us embrace this calling with courage and humility, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us.