Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 8, 2021
First Reading: 1 John 5.5-13
5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?6This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.8And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.9If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Psalm 147
1Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.2The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.3He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.4He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.5Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.6The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.7Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:8Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.9He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.10He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.11The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.12Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.13For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.14He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.15He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.16He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.17He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?18He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.19He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.20He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: Luke 5.12-16
12And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.13And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.14And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.15But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.16And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, testimony, and the transformative power of belief. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the Son of God, highlighting that this belief overcomes the world and grants eternal life. John underscores the testimony of the Spirit, water, and blood, symbolizing the sacraments and the divine truth. This passage reassures us that our faith in Jesus is a source of eternal life, urging us to trust in His divine testimony.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene of Jesus healing a leper. The leper's humble plea and Jesus' compassionate response illustrate the power of faith and compassion. Jesus' instruction to present himself to the priest serves as a public testimony of God's work. Despite the leper's obedience, news of the miracle spreads, drawing more people to Jesus. This story shows how faith leads to action and how our encounters with Jesus can inspire others.
Both readings remind us that faith is both internal and external. Like the leper, our faith should lead us to boldness and trust in Jesus' power. As 1 John suggests, our belief in Jesus transforms us internally, granting eternal life, while externally, it leads to actions that testify to God's love. In our daily lives, let us embrace this faith, allowing it to guide our actions and inspire others, just as the leper's healing became a testament to God's grace.