Daily Readings - Fri Jan 10 2025
1 John
5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?6This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.8And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.9If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Luke
12And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.13And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.14And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.15But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.16And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith and the transformative grace of God. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is the key to overcoming the world. John emphasizes the unity of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, who together testify to the truth of God’s love. He also highlights the importance of accepting this divine testimony, for it is through faith in the Son that we receive eternal life. The reading concludes with a reassuring message: those who believe in Jesus have eternal life, and this life is a gift from God.
In the Gospel, Luke presents us with a vivid scene of Jesus healing a man afflicted with leprosy. The leper, aware of his own unworthiness, humbly asks Jesus to cleanse him if he is willing. Jesus, moved by compassion, touches the man and heals him instantly. This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority but also his deep love for those on the margins of society. The instruction to “show yourself to the priest” serves as a testament to the healing power of God, while Jesus’ withdrawal to the desert for prayer reminds us of the importance of seeking solitude and communion with God.
These readings are deeply connected. Both highlight the transformative power of faith and the grace of God. In 1 John, faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, while in Luke, the leper’s faith leads to his physical and spiritual healing. Together, they remind us that our faith must be active and trusting, even in the face of uncertainty. As we go about our daily lives, let us turn to God with the same humility and trust as the leper, knowing that God’s love and grace can transform even the darkest corners of our lives. May we also remember to withdraw into prayer, like Jesus, to recharge and deepen our relationship with him.