Daily Readings - Sat Jan 12 2019

1 John

14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.16If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.17All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

John

22After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.23And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.24For John was not yet cast into prison.25Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.26And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.30He must increase, but I must decrease.

Sermon

In today's readings, we explore themes of prayer, sin, and humility. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes confidence in prayer, assuring us that our requests, when aligned with God's will, are heard. It also distinguishes between sins that lead to death and those that do not, offering hope for life through prayer for others. The Gospel from John presents John the Baptist's humble response to Jesus' rising influence, highlighting the importance of decreasing oneself so that Christ may increase. Contextually, 1 John was written to early Christians facing Gnostic challenges, reinforcing the power of prayer and the nature of sin. John's letter comforts believers, assuring them of God's protection and the eternal life found in His Son. In John 3:22-30, John the Baptist addresses rivalry between his followers and Jesus' disciples, demonstrating humility and trust in God's plan. Both readings intertwine through themes of humility and trust. John's humility mirrors the confidence in prayer from 1 John, showing that true service to God involves selflessness. Applying this to daily life, we are called to humble service and trust in God's will through prayer. The moral lesson is clear: embrace humility and trust in God, avoiding jealousy, and recognizing our role in His greater plan.