Daily Readings - Wed Jan 03 2018

First Reading - 1 John 2.29; 3.1-6

1 John

Chapter 2

²⁹If you know that he is just, then know, too, that all who do what is just are born of him

¹See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we would be called, and would become, the sons of God. Because of this, the world does not know us, for it did not know him²Most beloved, we are now the sons of God. But what we shall be then has not yet appeared. We know that when he does appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is³And everyone who holds this hope in him, keeps himself holy, just as he also is holy⁴Everyone who commits a sin, also commits iniquity. For sin is iniquity⁵And you know that he appeared in order that he might take away our sins. For in him there is no sin⁶Everyone who abides in him does not sin. For whoever sins has not seen him, and has not known him

Gospel - John 1.29-34

John

Chapter 1

²⁹On the next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and so he said: "Behold, the Lamb of God. Behold, he who takes away the sin of the world³⁰This is the one about whom I said, ‘After me arrives a man, who has been placed ahead of me, because he existed before me.³¹And I did not know him. Yet it is for this reason that I come baptizing with water: so that he may be made manifest in Israel.³²And John offered testimony, saying: "For I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove; and he remained upon him³³And I did not know him. But he who sent me to baptize with water said to me: ‘He over whom you will see the Spirit descending and remaining upon him, this is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.³⁴And I saw, and I gave testimony: that this one is the Son of God.

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on our identity as children of God and the profound love of the Father that has made this possible. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that we are born of God and called to live justly, for sin is iniquity and contrary to God’s nature. John emphasizes that those who abide in God do not sin, for sin separates us from Him. This passage calls us to holiness, urging us to keep ourselves pure as we await the full revelation of what we shall be when Christ appears. The Gospel reading from John complements this by focusing on the revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John the Baptist’s testimony highlights Jesus’ divine identity and mission. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus confirms Him as the Son of God and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Together, these readings remind us that our identity as children of God is rooted in the love of the Father and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our daily lives. To be children of God is not merely a title but a way of life. It calls us to live with integrity, avoiding sin and striving for holiness. Just as John the Baptist pointed others to Jesus, we too are called to witness to the love and mercy of God in our words and actions. Let us embrace the hope of our heavenly inheritance and live in a way that reflects our true identity as sons and daughters of God. May we, like John, testify to the world that Jesus is the Son of God, and may His Spirit guide us in living out this calling with joy and fidelity.