Daily Readings - Tue Dec 29 2020
1 John
3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.7Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.8Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.9He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.10He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.11But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
Luke
22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;23As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;35Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, obedience, and divine recognition. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes knowing God through keeping His commandments and loving one another. It warns against false claims of faith without corresponding actions, urging believers to walk in the light of God's truth. The Gospel from Luke recounts the presentation of Jesus at the temple, where Simeon, a righteous man guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes the infant Jesus as the Messiah. Simeon's prophecy highlights Jesus' role as a light to the nations and foretells the challenges He will face, including Mary's personal sorrow.
These passages are set in contexts that highlight the importance of faith and obedience. 1 John was likely written to a community facing false teachings, encouraging them to live out their faith through love and obedience. Luke's narrative is part of the infancy story, showcasing Mary and Joseph's adherence to Jewish customs and Simeon's faithful anticipation of the Messiah. Both readings underscore the recognition of God's presence and the call to live according to His will.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to live out our faith through actions and love, trusting in God's plan even when it's challenging. Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the light to the nations reflects the universal call to follow God's truth. Mary's trust amidst prophecy exemplifies steadfast faith. The moral lesson is clear: our faith must be evident in our deeds and love, and we must trust in God's plan, even when the path is uncertain. Let us strive to walk in the light of God's truth, embracing both the joys and challenges of our faith.