Daily Readings - Wed Dec 29 2021
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, obedience, and the light of God that guides us through the darkness of the world. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that knowing God is not merely an intellectual exercise but a lived experience rooted in keeping His commandments. John emphasizes that love for our brothers and sisters is a fundamental expression of walking in the light of God. He warns that hatred and darkness blind us, separating us from the truth of God’s love. This passage calls us to examine our actions and relationships, ensuring that they reflect the charity and truth of God’s Word.
In the Gospel, Luke presents the scene of Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the temple for purification, in accordance with Jewish law. Here, Simeon, a righteous and Spirit-filled man, recognizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the light of revelation to the nations. Simeon’s prophecy also reveals the deeper significance of Jesus’ mission: He will bring both salvation and division, and Mary, as the Mother of the Messiah, will share in the sorrows of His redemptive work. This passage underscores the universal scope of God’s plan and the transformative power of faith, even in the face of suffering.
Together, these readings remind us that living as children of God means embracing both the light of His truth and the challenges that come with it. Like Simeon, we are called to recognize and proclaim the presence of God in our lives, even when it requires us to confront darkness and difficulty. John’s letter challenges us to live out our faith in love and obedience, ensuring that our words and actions align with the truth of God’s commandments. As we navigate the complexities of daily life, may we remain steadfast in the light of God’s love, allowing it to guide us through every trial and to shine forth in a world still shrouded in darkness.