Daily Readings - Wed Dec 30 2020
1 John
12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Luke
36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful calls to live our lives with a focus on the eternal rather than the fleeting. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that our true identity and strength come from God. John addresses different groups—little children, fathers, young men—each with a unique reminder of their relationship with God. He warns us against the allure of the world, which can lead us away from God’s love. The things of this world, driven by fleshly desires and pride, are transient and will pass away. True fulfillment and lasting peace come from doing God’s will and abiding in His love.
The Gospel presents us with the figure of Anna, a prophetess whose life was a testament to unwavering faith and devotion. As a widow who spent her days in prayer and fasting, Anna exemplifies what it means to live a life rooted in God. Her recognition of the infant Jesus and her eagerness to share the news with others show us the fruit of a life dedicated to seeking God. Anna’s story teaches us that when we prioritize prayer and a deep relationship with God, we become attuned to His presence and purposes in the world.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are we allowing the world to shape our desires and priorities, or are we seeking to live according to God’s will? Like Anna, we are called to cultivate a life of prayer and devotion, trusting that God’s plan for us is greater than anything the world can offer. Let us evaluate where our hearts are rooted and strive to live in a way that reflects our eternal identity in Christ. By doing so, we will find true strength, wisdom, and fulfillment, even in the midst of life’s challenges.