Daily Readings - Tue Jan 02 2018
1 John
22Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist--he denies the Father and the Son.23No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.24See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.25And this is what he promised us--even eternal life.26I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.27As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him.28And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
John
19Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ. "21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not.Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."22Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"24Now some Pharisees who had been sent25questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"26"I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know.27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the essence of our faith and the humility required to follow Christ. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and the necessity of remaining faithful amidst false teachings. It highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding us and the promise of eternal life through our relationship with the Father and the Son. The Gospel reading presents John the Baptist, who, when questioned by religious leaders, humbly clarifies his role not as the Messiah but as a precursor, preparing the way for Jesus. His response underscores his humility and clarity in pointing others to Christ.
These readings are interconnected through their focus on the identity of Jesus as the Christ and the call to remain faithful. John the Baptist’s humility and John’s epistle both serve as reminders to stay grounded in our faith, recognizing our role in pointing others to Jesus. The epistle warns against false teachings, encouraging us to abide in the truth, while John the Baptist’s testimony exemplifies humility and purpose in serving God’s plan.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to remain faithful, humble, and open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Just as John the Baptist knew his role, we too should recognize ours in God’s plan. The moral lesson here is the importance of fidelity to the truth and humility, trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide us. May we stay grounded in our faith, humbly serve, and point others to Christ, just as John the Baptist did.