Daily Readings - Wed Jan 02 2019
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 encounter two powerful messages that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the truth of Jesus Christ. It warns against those who would lead us astray and reminds us that our identity and eternal life are rooted in our relationship with the Father and the Son. The second reading from John's Gospel presents John the Baptist, who humbly clarifies his role as a precursor to Jesus, not the Messiah, but one who prepares the way for Him.
Both readings highlight the significance of truth and preparation. In 1 John, we are urged to hold fast to the teachings we have received, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God. In John's Gospel, John the Baptist exemplifies humility and clarity in his mission, pointing others to Jesus. These themes are interconnected, as staying grounded in truth prepares us to recognize and follow Jesus in our lives.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, avoiding false influences and staying humble. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we too can create space in our hearts for Jesus to be present. By living with integrity and humility, we embody the truth of Christ, allowing His light to shine through us. Let us strive to stay true to our faith and humbly serve as beacons of Christ's love in the world.