Daily Readings - Sat Jan 11 2020
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 encounter profound reflections on trust, humility, and the nature of God's plan. The first reading from 1 John reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of understanding sin. John reassures us that our prayers are heard when they align with God's will, encouraging us to intercede for others, especially those who sin. He distinguishes between sin that leads to death and other sins, emphasizing that not all sins are equal. This letter, written to early Christians facing Gnostic influences, reinforces the belief that those born of God do not sin and warns against idolatry, urging us to remain faithful to the true God.
The Gospel from John illustrates John the Baptist's humility and recognition of Jesus' supremacy. As Jesus' disciples baptize, a dispute arises, but John gracefully deflects attention, stating he is not the Messiah but merely the precursor. He joyfully steps back, acknowledging that Jesus must become central. This passage highlights the transition from John's ministry to Jesus', emphasizing the humility required to recognize and yield to God's plan.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's will, pray with confidence, and embrace humility. Like John the Baptist, we must recognize when it's time to step back and let Christ take center stage. Avoiding idolatry means keeping our focus on God, not worldly distractions. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, practice humility, and let Jesus be the heart of our lives. As we navigate life's challenges, may we find strength in prayer and humility, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ.