Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 3, 2026
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
Today's first reading from the First Letter of John reminds us of the extraordinary gift of God's love: that we are called, and truly become, children of God. This profound identity carries a corresponding call to holiness and justice. If we know that God is just, then those who do what is just are born of Him. John emphasizes that everyone who lives with this hope in Christ keeps himself holy, because Christ Himself is holy. Sin, he explains, is iniquity, and Christ appeared precisely to take away our sins, for there is no sin in Him. To abide in Him means not to live in sin. This truth is beautifully complemented by John the Baptist's testimony in today's Gospel. He identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," confirming His divine mission and pre-existence, a mission inaugurated and witnessed by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Him.
These readings illuminate each other perfectly, showing us both our exalted status and the means by which it is achieved. The First Letter of John tells us *what* we are and *how* we should live as children of God—in holiness, free from sin—while the Gospel tells us *who* makes this possible: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. It is through Him that our sins are taken away, and it is in Him that we find the power to live righteously. This isn't merely a theological concept; it is a call to daily life. If we truly believe we are God's children, chosen and loved, then our actions must reflect this dignity. We are to strive for justice, to resist sin, and to continually turn to Christ for strength and forgiveness, knowing that He has already paid the price for our redemption.
Our hope in Christ is not a passive expectation, but an active principle that transforms our lives. To keep ourselves holy, just as He is holy, means making conscious choices each day that align with God's will and reflect His love to those around us. This profound identity as "sons and daughters of God" is not something we await, but a present reality that empowers us to overcome the challenges of sin and temptation. Let us therefore live each day with gratitude for this incredible gift, allowing the cleansing power of the Lamb of God to purify our hearts and guide our steps toward a life that truly manifests our divine sonship.