Daily Readings - Thu Jan 02 2025
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 explore themes of identity, faith, and guidance. The First Reading from 1 John emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the Christ, highlighting the inseparable relationship between the Father and the Son. John warns against false teachings and encourages believers to remain steadfast, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Gospel of John features John the Baptist, who humbly clarifies his role as a precursor to Jesus, not the Messiah, and baptizes as a symbol of preparation for the coming Lord.
The context of 1 John is set amidst early Christian communities facing deception, where John reinforces the core belief in Jesus to maintain faith. In the Gospel, John the Baptist’s testimony to religious leaders underscores his role as a voice preparing the way for Jesus, directing attention away from himself to the true Messiah.
Both readings intertwine by focusing on the identity of Jesus and the steadfastness of faith. While 1 John addresses maintaining true faith despite false prophets, John the Baptist’s testimony in the Gospel exemplifies humility and redirection to Jesus. Together, they remind us of the importance of recognizing Christ’s presence and staying faithful.
In daily life, these readings inspire us to reflect Christ in our actions and words, just as John the Baptist pointed others to Jesus. The moral lesson is clear: remain faithful, open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and focused on eternal life through Jesus. Let us embody this faith, avoiding deception and staying true to our beliefs, just as John the Baptist and the early Christians did.