Daily Readings - Tue Jan 02 2018
First Reading - 1 John 2.22-28
1 John
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Gospel - John 1.19-28
John
And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the essence of our faith and the humility required to follow Christ. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and the necessity of remaining faithful amidst false teachings. It highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding us and the promise of eternal life through our relationship with the Father and the Son. The Gospel reading presents John the Baptist, who, when questioned by religious leaders, humbly clarifies his role not as the Messiah but as a precursor, preparing the way for Jesus. His response underscores his humility and clarity in pointing others to Christ.
These readings are interconnected through their focus on the identity of Jesus as the Christ and the call to remain faithful. John the Baptist’s humility and John’s epistle both serve as reminders to stay grounded in our faith, recognizing our role in pointing others to Jesus. The epistle warns against false teachings, encouraging us to abide in the truth, while John the Baptist’s testimony exemplifies humility and purpose in serving God’s plan.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to remain faithful, humble, and open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Just as John the Baptist knew his role, we too should recognize ours in God’s plan. The moral lesson here is the importance of fidelity to the truth and humility, trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide us. May we stay grounded in our faith, humbly serve, and point others to Christ, just as John the Baptist did.