Daily Readings - Mon Dec 28 2020
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, darkness, and the trustworthiness of God’s plan. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that God is light, and to walk in His light means to live in truth and fellowship with one another. John emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness, for it is only through humility and confession that we experience God’s mercy and cleansing. He also reassures us that Jesus, the Just One, is our Advocate before the Father, interceding for us and for the whole world.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a dramatic scene from the early life of Jesus: the flight into Egypt. Joseph, acting on the instructions of an angel, trusts God’s plan and flees with Mary and the child Jesus to escape Herod’s violence. This passage underscores the tension between light and darkness, as Herod’s jealousy and desire for power lead to great suffering. Yet, even in the midst of darkness, God’s plan unfolds, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus, like the Israelites of old, would be called out of Egypt. The weeping of Rachel for her children echoes the universal human experience of loss and sorrow, but it also points to the hope of redemption that Jesus brings.
These readings call us to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is uncertain or fraught with difficulty. Like Joseph, we are invited to listen for God’s voice and act with faith, even in the face of fear or doubt. Like John, we are reminded to walk in the light, acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness, so that we may live in truth and fellowship with one another. May we, like the Holy Family, find the courage to trust in God’s providence and to seek refuge in Him, for He is our Advocate, our Light, and our Salvation.