Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 7, 2022
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 encounter powerful messages about faith, healing, and the nature of God. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes that true victory over the world comes through belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It highlights the unity of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and reminds us that eternal life is found in the Son. The Gospel from Luke illustrates this theology through the story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy. The leper’s humility and faith in Jesus’ power to heal are met with compassion and immediate action, demonstrating Jesus’ divine authority and mercy.
The connection between these readings lies in their focus on faith and trust in God. The epistle provides the theological foundation, while the Gospel shows this faith in action. The leper’s plea, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean,” reflects the kind of faith that 1 John describes as overcoming the world. Jesus’ response, “I am willing,” reveals God’s desire to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually. This exchange reminds us that our faith is not just intellectual assent but a trusting surrender to God’s will and power in our lives.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Do we approach God with the humility and trust of the leper? Are we willing to surrender our fears and doubts to God’s mercy? The readings call us to deepen our faith and to live as witnesses to God’s love and power. Just as the leper was healed and sent to testify to God’s work, we too are called to share the good news of eternal life in Jesus Christ. May we, like the leper, experience the healing touch of Jesus and then go forth to proclaim His goodness to a world in need.