Daily Readings - Sat Jan 07 2023
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
1And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:2And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.3And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.6And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.7Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.8And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.9When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.12After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about trust and transformation. The first reading from 1 John reminds us of the confidence we have in prayer, knowing that God hears us when we ask according to His will. It distinguishes between sins, reassuring us of God's protection and the eternal life offered through His Son. The Gospel from John tells the story of the wedding at Cana, where Jesus transforms water into wine, revealing His glory and the power of faith.
Both readings are set in contexts that highlight trust in God. 1 John was written to early Christians to strengthen their faith, while the wedding at Cana is an early sign in John's Gospel that showcases Jesus' divine nature. The common thread is the transformative power of faith—whether through prayer or through trusting in God's plan.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan and remain open to His transformative power. Just as Mary trusted Jesus at the wedding, we can have confidence that God hears our prayers and works in our lives. The moral lesson here is the importance of faith and trust. Let us approach prayer with confidence, knowing God's love and care, and allow Him to work through us, transforming our lives and the world around us.