Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 31, 2021
First Reading: 1 John 2.18-21
18Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.21I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
Psalm 96
1O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.2Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.7Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.8Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.9O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Gospel: John 1.1-18
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2The same was in the beginning with God.3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.15John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with profound reflections on truth, light, and the nature of God. The first reading from 1 John warns us about the presence of antichrists, false teachers who lead others astray. John reassures us that we have the anointing of the Holy One, granting us the knowledge of the truth, and urges us to remain steadfast in our faith. The Gospel from John, known as the prologue, beautifully describes Jesus as the Word, who is with God and is God. It emphasizes Jesus as the source of life and light, who came into the world but was not recognized by His own. Those who accept Him become children of God, born of the Spirit.
These readings, though distinct, are deeply connected. The first reading from 1 John serves as a warning against false teachings, while the Gospel provides the foundation of our truth in Jesus Christ. Together, they highlight the contrast between truth and falsehood, light and darkness. John's Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the true light, illuminating every person, and it is through Him that we receive grace and truth.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to discern truth amidst conflicting ideas and to remain faithful. They encourage us to recognize and hold onto the light of Christ, even when surrounded by darkness. The moral lesson here is the importance of spiritual discernment and steadfastness in our faith. As we navigate the world, may we rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, staying grounded in the truth of Jesus Christ. Let us embrace the grace and truth He brings, living authentically as children of God, born of the Spirit.