Daily Readings - Mon Jan 06 2025
1 John
22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Matthew
12Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;13And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:14That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,15The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.17From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.25And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound interplay between faith, love, and the triumph of light over darkness. The First Letter of John emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's commandments, particularly the commandment to love one another. John warns us to discern the spirits, recognizing that not every influence is of God. He assures us that we, as children of God, have overcome the forces of darkness because the Spirit of God dwells within us. This letter invites us to live in truth and love, trusting in God's presence and guidance.
The Gospel of Matthew illustrates this message through the actions of Jesus. After withdrawing to Galilee, Jesus begins his ministry, fulfilling the prophecy that light would shine in the darkness. His preaching, healing, and compassionate care for the sick and afflicted demonstrate the kingdom of God breaking into the world. Jesus' ministry is a testament to the power of light overcoming darkness, bringing hope and salvation to all who seek Him.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to embody the light of Christ in our daily lives. Just as Jesus brought light to those in darkness, we are to be beacons of hope and love in a world often shrouded in shadows. Let us trust in the Spirit within us, discerning truth from falsehood, and living with the confidence that God's light will guide us. May we, like Jesus, bring healing and hope to those around us, remembering that we are children of light, called to reflect God's love and truth in all we do.