Daily Readings - Mon Dec 30 2019
1 John
12I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.13I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father.14I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world.17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
Luke
36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of living a life aligned with God's will. The first reading from 1 John addresses various groups, emphasizing forgiveness, strength, and overcoming evil. John warns against the allure of the world, urging us to avoid its fleeting desires and instead seek eternal truths. The Gospel presents Anna, a prophetess whose life exemplifies dedication to God through prayer and fasting. Her recognition of Jesus as Israel's redemption highlights the rewards of a life devoted to divine purposes.
Both readings connect through the theme of living beyond worldly attachments. 1 John cautions against the transient nature of earthly desires, while Luke's portrayal of Anna illustrates the fruits of a life committed to God. Anna's unwavering faith and devotion serve as a model for us, showing how a life focused on God can lead to profound spiritual insight and fulfillment.
In our daily lives, we are called to reflect on our priorities. Let us avoid the distractions of the world and instead seek a deeper connection with God. By emulating Anna's dedication, we can cultivate a life of prayer and service, allowing us to recognize God's presence in our midst. The moral lesson here is clear: true strength and fulfillment come not from worldly pursuits, but from a life dedicated to God's will. Let us strive to live in such a way that our actions and hearts reflect eternal values, rather than fleeting desires.