Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 3, 2025
First Reading: 1 John 2.29; 3.1-6
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.
Psalm 98
1O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.2The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.5Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.6With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.7Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.8Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Gospel: John 1.29-34
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 our identity as children of God and the profound love He has shown us in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to take away the sin of the world. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that we are called to live as sons and daughters of God, a truth that should transform how we see ourselves and how we live. John emphasizes that our hope in Christ should lead us to holiness, for sin contradicts the very nature of God, and those who abide in Him do not sin. This passage challenges us to examine our lives and strive for purity of heart as we await the full revelation of what we shall be when Christ appears.
In the Gospel, John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This title, "Lamb of God," is rich in meaning, recalling the sacrifices of the Old Testament and foreshadowing Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross. John's testimony also highlights the Holy Spirit's role in revealing Jesus' true identity as the Son of God. This passage reminds us that our encounter with Christ is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and it calls us to bear witness to Jesus in our own lives, just as John did.
These readings are deeply connected. Both emphasize the transformative power of God's love and the call to holiness. As children of God, we are called to live in a way that reflects our divine adoption, avoiding sin and striving to be like Christ. In our daily lives, this means living with integrity, loving one another, and being mindful of the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides us. Let us ask ourselves: Do we truly live as children of God? Do we allow the Spirit to transform us and empower us to witness to the love of Christ in the world? May we embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God and live in a way that reflects the hope and holiness He has given us.