Daily Readings - Sat Dec 28 2019
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of light, sin, and God’s providential care. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that God is light, and to walk in His light means living in truth and acknowledging our sinfulness. John emphasizes that while we are sinners, God’s mercy is abundant, and through confession, we receive forgiveness. This passage calls us to humility and honesty before God, recognizing that His light exposes our sins but also offers us cleansing through the blood of Christ.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a dramatic scene from the early life of Jesus. The Holy Family’s flight into Egypt underscores God’s protective care over His Son, even in the face of danger. Herod’s violence against the innocent children of Bethlehem, however, reveals the darkness of sin and the opposition to God’s plan. This narrative reminds us that following God does not mean escaping all trials but trusting in His providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering.
Both readings encourage us to live in the light of God’s truth and to trust in His care. Like the Holy Family, we may face challenges, but we are called to walk in faith, knowing that God’s light will guide us. Let us examine our lives, confess our sins, and trust in God’s mercy. May we, like Joseph, obey God’s will and find refuge in Him, for He is our Advocate and our Savior.