Daily Readings - Mon Jan 02 2023
1 John
22Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist--he denies the Father and the Son.23No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.24See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.25And this is what he promised us--even eternal life.26I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.27As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him.28And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
John
19Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ. "21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not.Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."22Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"24Now some Pharisees who had been sent25questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"26"I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know.27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the cornerstone of our faith and the humility required to follow Christ. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes the necessity of confessing Jesus as the Christ, warning against false teachers who deny His divinity. It encourages believers to remain steadfast, relying on the divine anointing that teaches and guides us. The Gospel presents John the Baptist, who humbly clarifies his role, not as the Messiah, but as a voice preparing the way for the Lord. He baptizes with water, yet acknowledges the greater one who is to come, illustrating true humility and devotion.
These readings were written in contexts where communities faced challenges. 1 John addressed a community grappling with false teachings, urging them to hold fast to their faith. John's Gospel introduces John the Baptist, setting the stage for Jesus's ministry by highlighting John's role as a preparer, not the one to be glorified. Both readings underscore the importance of correct belief and humility, reminding us that our faith must be rooted in truth, and our service must be selfless.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to remain faithful to Christ's teachings, cautious of false influences, and to serve with humility. Like John the Baptist, we are called to point others to Christ, not seeking glory for ourselves. The moral lesson is clear: steadfast faith and humility are essential. May we embrace our role in God's plan with humility, ever pointing others to the true Messiah, Jesus Christ.