Daily Readings - Thu Dec 29 2022
1 John
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
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 encounter profound truths about faith, obedience, and the revelation of God’s presence. The First Reading from 1 John emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commandments. John warns that claiming to know God without following His teachings is deceitful. He highlights that love, both old and new, is central to God’s commandments, cautioning against hatred which leads to darkness.
The Gospel from Luke presents the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, where Simeon, a righteous and Spirit-led man, recognizes the infant Jesus as the long-awaited savior. Simeon’s prophecy underscores Jesus’ role in bringing salvation to all people and hints at the challenges and revelations that will come through Him. This narrative illustrates the fulfillment of Jewish law and the dawning of a new era through Jesus.
Both readings connect through the theme of recognizing God’s presence and living according to His will. In 1 John, this recognition leads to obedience, while in Luke, it is through faith and openness to the Spirit. Applying this to our lives, we are called to live out our faith through love and service, keeping God’s commandments. The moral lesson is clear: true faith is not just in words but in deeds, walking in the light of love and being open to God’s revelation, even when it brings challenges. Let us strive to embody this faith, embracing obedience and love as we navigate our daily lives.