Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 2, 2018
First Reading: 1 John 2.22-28
22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.24Let 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.25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.27But 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.28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Psalm 98
1O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.2The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.5Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.6With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.7Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.8Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Gospel: John 1.19-28
19And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.22Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.24And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.28These 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.