Daily Readings - Wed Jan 03 2024
1 John
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.
John
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound truth of our identity as children of God and the gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that we are born of God and called to live a life of holiness. The apostle John emphasizes that sin contradicts our divine adoption, but through hope in Christ, we are called to purity and love. The Gospel from John presents John the Baptist’s testimony to Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. John’s humility and clarity in pointing others to Christ serve as a model for us to recognize and proclaim God’s presence in our lives.
Both readings are deeply connected, as they highlight the transformative power of God’s love and the call to live as His children. In 1 John, we are reminded of our new identity in Christ, while in the Gospel, we see the One who makes this identity possible. John the Baptist’s words, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” direct us to the heart of the Gospel: Jesus’ mission to save us from sin and restore us to the Father. Together, these readings call us to embrace our dignity as children of God and to live in a way that reflects this truth.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine how we are living out our faith. Are we recognizing the sin in our lives and turning to Christ for forgiveness? Are we striving to live with the holiness that befits God’s children? Let us draw hope from the promise that we will one day see God face-to-face and be like Him. Until then, may we imitate John the Baptist by humbly pointing others to Jesus, the Lamb of God, and may we live with integrity, love, and a heart open to the Spirit.