Daily Readings - Tue Jan 02 2024
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 encounter profound truths about identity and humility. The First Reading from 1 John warns against denying Jesus as the Christ, labeling such denial as Antichrist. It urges believers to remain steadfast in the teachings of Jesus, promising eternal life and emphasizing the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel from John presents John the Baptist, who humbly clarifies his role, not as the Messiah, but as a preparer of the way for the Lord. He baptizes with water, yet acknowledges the presence of a greater figure, Jesus, who is among them.
These readings are set in contexts of clarification and testimony. John the Baptist's humility in the Gospel reflects his understanding of his role in God's plan, while 1 John addresses a community facing false teachings, urging them to hold fast to their faith. Both readings underscore the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and recognizing one's place in the divine scheme.
In our daily lives, these teachings remind us to remain grounded in our faith amidst confusion and to approach life with humility. Just as John the Baptist recognized his role, we too should acknowledge our place, trusting in God's plan. The moral lesson here is the importance of humility and faithfulness, encouraging us to stay true to our beliefs and trust in divine guidance.