Daily Readings - Sat Jan 09 2021
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 explore themes of trust, humility, and the divine plan. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes confidence in prayer, urging us to pray for others, especially those who sin, trusting that God hears us when our requests align with His will. It distinguishes between sin that leads to death and other sins, reassuring us of God’s protection from evil. The second reading from John’s Gospel depicts John the Baptist’s humble acknowledgment of his role as a precursor to Jesus, illustrating that true greatness lies in recognizing one’s place in God’s plan.
Both readings highlight the importance of aligning our wills with God’s. John’s epistle encourages us to trust in God’s providence through prayer, while John the Baptist’s humility teaches us to embrace our roles without envy. Their contexts—John’s reassurance to early Christians and the transition from John’s ministry to Jesus’—remind us that our confidence and humility are rooted in God’s grace and our acceptance of His timing and purpose.
In daily life, these readings call us to pray with confidence, trusting in God’s will, and to humbly accept our roles, pointing others to Christ. The moral lesson is clear: cultivate humility and trust in God’s plan. Let us pray with faith, support each other in our spiritual journeys, and find joy in fulfilling our unique roles, knowing that true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with God’s will.