Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 27, 2019
First Reading: 1 John 1.1-4
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;2For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Psalm 97
1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Gospel: John 20.2-8
2Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.3Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.4So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.5And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.6Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,7And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.8Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful testimonies of faith and the transformative power of the resurrection. The First Reading from 1 John emphasizes the reality of the Word of Life, incarnate in Jesus Christ, and the joy of fellowship that comes from sharing this truth. The Gospel from John vividly describes the discovery of the empty tomb by Peter and the other disciple, highlighting their journey from doubt to belief.
These passages are deeply connected, as both center on the theme of testimony and belief. John's letter serves as a testament to the reality of the Incarnation, while the Gospel narrative shows the disciples' personal encounter with the risen Christ. The empty tomb and the neatly arranged linens are signs that invite us to trust in God's Word and to experience the joy of new life in Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to the signs God places in our lives? Do we allow ourselves to be transformed by the power of the resurrection? Let us, like the disciples, approach life's challenges with courage and openness, trusting in God's plan. May we, too, see and believe, and may our lives bear witness to the joy and hope that only Christ can give.