Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 3, 2019
First Reading: 1 John 2.29; 3.1-6
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.
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 1.29-34
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
In today's readings, we are reminded of our profound identity as children of God and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. The first reading from 1 John invites us to reflect on the boundless love of the Father, who has called us to be His sons and daughters. This divine adoption is not merely a title but a calling to live in holiness, for we are to become like Christ when He appears. The reading emphasizes that sin contradicts this divine calling, yet it is through Christ that our sins are taken away, enabling us to live a life free from sin and in union with Him.
The Gospel from John presents John the Baptist's profound declaration of Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This moment is pivotal, as it reveals Jesus' mission and identity. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus signifies His divine nature and His role as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. This passage underscores the Trinitarian reality of God's love and redemption, where the Father sends the Son, and the Spirit rests upon Him, revealing Him as the Son of God.
These readings are deeply connected, as they both point to the heart of our faith: the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. The first reading calls us to live out our identity as God's children through holiness, while the Gospel reveals the One who makes this possible. In our daily lives, let us embrace this identity with gratitude and strive to live in a way that reflects God's holiness. May we turn to Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away our sins, and may we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, who transforms us into the likeness of the Son. In this way, we fulfill our calling as children of God, living in hope and holiness.