Daily Readings - Thu Jan 02 2025
1 John
22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
John
19And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.22Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.24And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we explore themes of identity, faith, and guidance. The First Reading from 1 John emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the Christ, highlighting the inseparable relationship between the Father and the Son. John warns against false teachings and encourages believers to remain steadfast, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Gospel of John features John the Baptist, who humbly clarifies his role as a precursor to Jesus, not the Messiah, and baptizes as a symbol of preparation for the coming Lord.
The context of 1 John is set amidst early Christian communities facing deception, where John reinforces the core belief in Jesus to maintain faith. In the Gospel, John the Baptist’s testimony to religious leaders underscores his role as a voice preparing the way for Jesus, directing attention away from himself to the true Messiah.
Both readings intertwine by focusing on the identity of Jesus and the steadfastness of faith. While 1 John addresses maintaining true faith despite false prophets, John the Baptist’s testimony in the Gospel exemplifies humility and redirection to Jesus. Together, they remind us of the importance of recognizing Christ’s presence and staying faithful.
In daily life, these readings inspire us to reflect Christ in our actions and words, just as John the Baptist pointed others to Jesus. The moral lesson is clear: remain faithful, open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and focused on eternal life through Jesus. Let us embody this faith, avoiding deception and staying true to our beliefs, just as John the Baptist and the early Christians did.