Daily Readings - Thu Jan 06 2022
1 John
1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.2This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Luke
14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about love, faith, and service. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that genuine love for God is inseparable from love for our neighbors. John emphasizes that loving God, whom we cannot see, is only possible if we love those around us, whom we can see. This love is not merely emotional but is demonstrated through obedience to God's commandments. The reading also highlights the power of faith, noting that it overcomes the challenges of the world.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus in Nazareth, where He announces the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Jesus' mission is clear: to bring hope to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and liberate those oppressed. This passage sets the tone for Jesus' ministry, emphasizing compassion and service to those on the margins. The connection between the two readings lies in their emphasis on love and service as expressions of faith. John's epistle calls us to love actively, while Luke's Gospel shows Jesus embodying this love through His mission.
As we reflect on these readings, we are challenged to examine how we live out our faith. Are we merely spectators, or are we actively engaged in serving others? Let us ask ourselves: How can we, like Jesus, bring light and hope to those around us? Perhaps it's through a kind word, a listening ear, or advocating for justice. May we remember that our faith is not just about belief but about putting love into action. As we go about our daily lives, may we embody the love of God, just as Jesus did, and may our actions reflect the transformative power of His mission.