Daily Readings - Fri Dec 28 2018
1 John
5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Matthew
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.17Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,18In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on the nature of God and the human condition, intertwined with a narrative of divine intervention and human tragedy. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that God is light, and to walk in this light requires acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness. This letter, written to early Christians grappling with the nature of faith and sin, emphasizes the importance of humility and the assurance of Jesus Christ as our advocate. The Gospel from Matthew recounts the flight into Egypt, where Joseph, guided by an angel, protects the Holy Family from Herod’s wrath. This narrative not only highlights the fulfillment of prophecy but also underscores the darker realities of human sin and the tragic consequences of unchecked power.
The connection between these readings lies in their exploration of light and darkness, both literally and metaphorically. In 1 John, the light of God’s truth exposes our sinfulness, yet it also offers redemption through confession and forgiveness. In Matthew, the light of God’s plan shines through the protection of the Holy Family, even as the darkness of Herod’s violence claims the lives of innocent children. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we navigate the interplay of light and darkness in our own lives. Just as Joseph trusted in God’s guidance, we too are called to trust in divine providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or fraught with danger.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded of the importance of humility and trust. Like the Holy Family, we may face unexpected challenges and be called to make difficult decisions. Yet, in these moments, we can turn to God, who is our light in the darkness. The moral lesson here is clear: acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness allows us to walk in the light of God’s truth, just as Joseph’s obedience and trust in God’s plan preserved the life of the Savior. May we, too, strive to live in this light, trusting in God’s providence and seeking forgiveness when we falter. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also become beacons of hope and light in a world often shrouded in darkness.