Daily Readings - Sat Dec 28 2024
1 John
5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Matthew
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.17Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,18In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about God’s nature and our response to His divine plan. The First Reading from 1 John reminds us that God is light, and to walk in this light, we must acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness. John emphasizes that Jesus, our advocate, atones for our sins, offering us redemption and fellowship with God. This letter, written to early Christians, addresses the reality of sin and the necessity of confession, countering Gnostic influences that denied the flesh.
The Gospel from Matthew narrates the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, escaping Herod’s persecution. This passage fulfills prophecy and highlights the tragedy of innocent suffering. The massacre of the innocents underscores the world’s darkness but also reveals God’s plan to save humanity through Jesus. This story is part of Matthew’s infancy narrative, illustrating the divine mission of Jesus and the protection of His family, symbolizing the Church’s journey through trials.
These readings connect through themes of light versus darkness and the reality of sin. The First Reading sets a spiritual context, while the Gospel illustrates this struggle in Jesus’ early life. The flight to Egypt symbolizes trust in divine providence, urging us to acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness. Just as Joseph trusted God, we should trust in His plan, even in adversity. The readings remind us to live in the light, confess our sins, and have faith in God’s protection. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God, seek forgiveness, and walk in His light, finding strength in His providence amidst life’s challenges.