Daily Readings - Mon Jan 02 2023
1 John
22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
John
19And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.22Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.24And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the cornerstone of our faith and the humility required to follow Christ. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes the necessity of confessing Jesus as the Christ, warning against false teachers who deny His divinity. It encourages believers to remain steadfast, relying on the divine anointing that teaches and guides us. The Gospel presents John the Baptist, who humbly clarifies his role, not as the Messiah, but as a voice preparing the way for the Lord. He baptizes with water, yet acknowledges the greater one who is to come, illustrating true humility and devotion.
These readings were written in contexts where communities faced challenges. 1 John addressed a community grappling with false teachings, urging them to hold fast to their faith. John's Gospel introduces John the Baptist, setting the stage for Jesus's ministry by highlighting John's role as a preparer, not the one to be glorified. Both readings underscore the importance of correct belief and humility, reminding us that our faith must be rooted in truth, and our service must be selfless.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to remain faithful to Christ's teachings, cautious of false influences, and to serve with humility. Like John the Baptist, we are called to point others to Christ, not seeking glory for ourselves. The moral lesson is clear: steadfast faith and humility are essential. May we embrace our role in God's plan with humility, ever pointing others to the true Messiah, Jesus Christ.