Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 4, 2025
First Reading: 1 John 3.7-10
7Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.8He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.9No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.10This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
Psalm 98
1Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.2The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.3He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;5make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,6with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn- shout for joy before the LORD, the King.7Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.8Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy;9let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.
Gospel: John 1.35-42
35The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.36When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"37When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.38Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"39"Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.40Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.41The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ).42And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter ).
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of identity and discipleship. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that as children of God, we are called to live justly and lovingly, avoiding sin and embracing brotherly love. This letter, written to early Christians, underscores the importance of righteous living as a testament to our faith amidst challenges.
The Gospel of John recounts the initial calling of Jesus' disciples, highlighting the transformative encounter with Him. John the Baptist's testimony leads two disciples to Jesus, who invites them to experience His life firsthand. This encounter changes their lives, as seen in Andrew's eagerness to share the Good News with his brother Peter, illustrating the power of invitation and faith.
These readings connect through the call to live as children of God, following Jesus' teachings. Embracing our identity in God means living justly and lovingly, while being open to His call transforms our lives. Like Andrew, we are invited to "come and see," experiencing Jesus' presence and sharing this gift with others. May we discern our actions, align them with God's will, and joyfully invite others to encounter Christ, living as true children of God.