Daily Readings - Mon Dec 30 2024
1 John
12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Luke
36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to live a life rooted in God’s love and truth, while navigating the challenges of the world around us. In the first reading from 1 John, the apostle addresses believers as “little children,” “young men,” and “fathers,” emphasizing the universal call to live in accordance with God’s will. He warns against loving the world and its desires, which are fleeting and opposed to the eternal life offered by God. Instead, he encourages believers to remain strong in their faith, abiding in God’s Word, and overcoming the evil that seeks to pull them away from Him.
The Gospel from Luke presents us with the figure of Anna, a prophetess who embodies a life of devotion and perseverance. As a widow, Anna dedicates herself to prayer and fasting, never leaving the temple. Her encounter with the infant Jesus is a moment of profound joy and fulfillment, as she recognizes Him as the long-awaited redemption of Israel. Anna’s life serves as a model of faithfulness and hope, showing us how to remain steadfast in our commitment to God even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. Meanwhile, the passage also highlights the growth of the young Jesus, who is filled with wisdom and grace, reminding us that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey.
Together, these readings call us to evaluate our priorities and allegiances in life. Like Anna, we are invited to cultivate a deep relationship with God through prayer and service, trusting in His plan even when the world around us seems chaotic. The warning in 1 John against loving the world reminds us to guard our hearts against the temptations of materialism and selfishness, instead choosing to live in a way that reflects God’s will. As we go about our daily lives, may we strive to remain rooted in faith, hope, and love, knowing that true fulfillment comes not from the world but from abiding in God.