Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 4, 2018
First Reading: 1 John 3.7-10
7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
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 1.35-42
35Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!37And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.38Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?39He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of righteousness, sin, and the transformative encounter with Jesus. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes that those born of God do not sin because His seed abides in them. John distinguishes between the sons of God and the sons of the devil, urging us to live justly and love our brothers. The Gospel from John illustrates this through the story of John the Baptist directing his disciples to Jesus. The disciples follow Jesus, spend time with Him, and Andrew introduces his brother Peter, who is transformed by the encounter.
The context of 1 John is a letter to early Christians, encouraging righteous living and love. The Gospel scene is set in the early days of Jesus' ministry, showing how His presence calls and transforms individuals. Both readings connect by highlighting the call to live according to God's will and the impact of encountering Jesus, which leads to transformation and sharing the Good News with others.
Applying this to daily life, we are reminded to examine our actions and strive for justice, recognizing sin's presence. Like Andrew, we should invite others to experience Jesus. The moral lesson is clear: our actions reflect our relationship with God. Following Jesus and allowing His presence to transform us is key. Just as Peter was renamed, our encounter with Jesus should lead to a new life of love and service, embodying our identity as God's children.