Daily Readings - Sat Jan 08 2022
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 are invited to reflect on the nature of prayer, humility, and our relationship with God. The first reading from 1 John reminds us of the confidence we have in prayer when we ask according to God’s will. John emphasizes that God hears us and grants our requests when they align with His purpose. He also warns us about sin, distinguishing between sins that lead to death and those that do not, while reassuring us that the evil one cannot touch those reborn in God. The reading concludes with a call to remain faithful and avoid false worship.
The Gospel from John 3 shifts our focus to John the Baptist, who humbly acknowledges his role as a precursor to Jesus. When questioned about Jesus baptizing more people, John explains that his joy is fulfilled in seeing Jesus increase while he himself decreases. He reminds us that Jesus is the bridegroom, and we are merely friends of the bridegroom, rejoicing at His voice. John’s humility and willingness to step aside for Christ serve as a powerful example for us.
These readings remind us that our prayers must be rooted in humility and alignment with God’s will, not our own desires. Like John the Baptist, we are called to decrease so that Christ may increase in our lives. In a world often driven by self-promotion and competition, John’s example challenges us to embrace humility and trust in God’s plan. Let us strive to live in such a way that our lives reflect the truth of the Gospel, and may we always remember that our ultimate joy is found in knowing and remaining in the true Son of God, Jesus Christ.