Daily Readings - Sat Jan 11 2020
1 John
14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.15And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.16If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that.17All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.18We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.19We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.20We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.21Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
John
22After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.23Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.24(This was before John was put in prison.)25An argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.26They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan--the one you testified about--well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."27To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.28You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.'29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.30He must become greater; I must become less.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on trust, humility, and the nature of God's plan. The first reading from 1 John reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of understanding sin. John reassures us that our prayers are heard when they align with God's will, encouraging us to intercede for others, especially those who sin. He distinguishes between sin that leads to death and other sins, emphasizing that not all sins are equal. This letter, written to early Christians facing Gnostic influences, reinforces the belief that those born of God do not sin and warns against idolatry, urging us to remain faithful to the true God.
The Gospel from John illustrates John the Baptist's humility and recognition of Jesus' supremacy. As Jesus' disciples baptize, a dispute arises, but John gracefully deflects attention, stating he is not the Messiah but merely the precursor. He joyfully steps back, acknowledging that Jesus must become central. This passage highlights the transition from John's ministry to Jesus', emphasizing the humility required to recognize and yield to God's plan.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's will, pray with confidence, and embrace humility. Like John the Baptist, we must recognize when it's time to step back and let Christ take center stage. Avoiding idolatry means keeping our focus on God, not worldly distractions. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, practice humility, and let Jesus be the heart of our lives. As we navigate life's challenges, may we find strength in prayer and humility, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ.