Daily Readings - Wed Jan 03 2018
First Reading - 1 John 2.29; 3.1-6
1 John
29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Gospel - John 1.29-34
John
29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on our identity as children of God and the profound love of the Father that has made this possible. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that we are born of God and called to live justly, for sin is iniquity and contrary to God’s nature. John emphasizes that those who abide in God do not sin, for sin separates us from Him. This passage calls us to holiness, urging us to keep ourselves pure as we await the full revelation of what we shall be when Christ appears.
The Gospel reading from John complements this by focusing on the revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John the Baptist’s testimony highlights Jesus’ divine identity and mission. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus confirms Him as the Son of God and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Together, these readings remind us that our identity as children of God is rooted in the love of the Father and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our daily lives. To be children of God is not merely a title but a way of life. It calls us to live with integrity, avoiding sin and striving for holiness. Just as John the Baptist pointed others to Jesus, we too are called to witness to the love and mercy of God in our words and actions. Let us embrace the hope of our heavenly inheritance and live in a way that reflects our true identity as sons and daughters of God. May we, like John, testify to the world that Jesus is the Son of God, and may His Spirit guide us in living out this calling with joy and fidelity.