Daily Readings - Thu Dec 29 2022
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
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about faith, obedience, and the revelation of God’s presence. The First Reading from 1 John emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commandments. John warns that claiming to know God without following His teachings is deceitful. He highlights that love, both old and new, is central to God’s commandments, cautioning against hatred which leads to darkness.
The Gospel from Luke presents the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, where Simeon, a righteous and Spirit-led man, recognizes the infant Jesus as the long-awaited savior. Simeon’s prophecy underscores Jesus’ role in bringing salvation to all people and hints at the challenges and revelations that will come through Him. This narrative illustrates the fulfillment of Jewish law and the dawning of a new era through Jesus.
Both readings connect through the theme of recognizing God’s presence and living according to His will. In 1 John, this recognition leads to obedience, while in Luke, it is through faith and openness to the Spirit. Applying this to our lives, we are called to live out our faith through love and service, keeping God’s commandments. The moral lesson is clear: true faith is not just in words but in deeds, walking in the light of love and being open to God’s revelation, even when it brings challenges. Let us strive to embody this faith, embracing obedience and love as we navigate our daily lives.