Daily Readings - Wed Dec 30 2020
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 encounter two powerful calls to live our lives with a focus on the eternal rather than the fleeting. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that our true identity and strength come from God. John addresses different groups—little children, fathers, young men—each with a unique reminder of their relationship with God. He warns us against the allure of the world, which can lead us away from God’s love. The things of this world, driven by fleshly desires and pride, are transient and will pass away. True fulfillment and lasting peace come from doing God’s will and abiding in His love.
The Gospel presents us with the figure of Anna, a prophetess whose life was a testament to unwavering faith and devotion. As a widow who spent her days in prayer and fasting, Anna exemplifies what it means to live a life rooted in God. Her recognition of the infant Jesus and her eagerness to share the news with others show us the fruit of a life dedicated to seeking God. Anna’s story teaches us that when we prioritize prayer and a deep relationship with God, we become attuned to His presence and purposes in the world.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are we allowing the world to shape our desires and priorities, or are we seeking to live according to God’s will? Like Anna, we are called to cultivate a life of prayer and devotion, trusting that God’s plan for us is greater than anything the world can offer. Let us evaluate where our hearts are rooted and strive to live in a way that reflects our eternal identity in Christ. By doing so, we will find true strength, wisdom, and fulfillment, even in the midst of life’s challenges.