Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 3, 2023
First Reading: 1 John 2.29; 3.1-6
29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Psalm 98
1O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.2The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.5Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.6With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.7Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.8Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Gospel: John 1.29-34
29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about our identity as children of God and the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that we are born of God and called to live justly, for sin contradicts the holiness of our heavenly Father. The Gospel from John presents the moment when John the Baptist publicly identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him, confirming his divine identity. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and the transformative power of His love.
The context of 1 John is a letter written to early Christians, emphasizing the nature of God as love and the call to live in a way that reflects His holiness. The Gospel scene takes place at the Jordan River, where John baptizes Jesus, an event that reveals Jesus’ mission to save humanity from sin. Both readings highlight the connection between God’s love and our response to it. In 1 John, we are reminded that we are children of God, and this identity calls us to live in a way that mirrors His holiness. In the Gospel, we see the humility of Jesus, who, though sinless, submits to baptism to fulfill God’s plan and reveal His divine nature.
These readings challenge us to live with a deep awareness of our identity as God’s children and to embrace the call to holiness. Like John the Baptist, we are called to point others to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. As we go about our daily lives, may we remember that we are called to live justly and love deeply, reflecting the holiness of God. Let us also seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who helps us to see Jesus as He truly is and to follow Him with faith and devotion. In doing so, we become living witnesses to the transformative power of God’s love in a world that so desperately needs it.