Daily Readings - Tue Dec 29 2020

³We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.⁴The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.⁵But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:⁶Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.⁷Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard.⁸Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.⁹Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.¹⁰Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.¹¹But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

Luke

Chapter 2

²²When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord²³(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord" ),²⁴and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."²⁵Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.²⁶It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.²⁷Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,²⁸Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:²⁹"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.³⁰For my eyes have seen your salvation,³¹which you have prepared in the sight of all people,³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."³³The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,³⁵so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Sermon

In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, obedience, and divine recognition. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes knowing God through keeping His commandments and loving one another. It warns against false claims of faith without corresponding actions, urging believers to walk in the light of God's truth. The Gospel from Luke recounts the presentation of Jesus at the temple, where Simeon, a righteous man guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes the infant Jesus as the Messiah. Simeon's prophecy highlights Jesus' role as a light to the nations and foretells the challenges He will face, including Mary's personal sorrow. These passages are set in contexts that highlight the importance of faith and obedience. 1 John was likely written to a community facing false teachings, encouraging them to live out their faith through love and obedience. Luke's narrative is part of the infancy story, showcasing Mary and Joseph's adherence to Jewish customs and Simeon's faithful anticipation of the Messiah. Both readings underscore the recognition of God's presence and the call to live according to His will. In our daily lives, these readings remind us to live out our faith through actions and love, trusting in God's plan even when it's challenging. Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the light to the nations reflects the universal call to follow God's truth. Mary's trust amidst prophecy exemplifies steadfast faith. The moral lesson is clear: our faith must be evident in our deeds and love, and we must trust in God's plan, even when the path is uncertain. Let us strive to walk in the light of God's truth, embracing both the joys and challenges of our faith.