Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 28, 2024

Date: Feast of the Holy Innocents

Scripture Text: 1 John 1:5—2:2

Beloved:

This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, "We have fellowship with him," while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say, "We are without sin," we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, "We have not sinned," we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading from the 1st Letter of John reminds us of that Christ is the light of the world, the expression, the revelation of the light of the Father Almighty, who has the power to banish all darkness, all sin. If we choose Christ and to follow in His footsteps, we will walk in the light of the LORD. John also urges us to be honest with ourselves and others about our own sinfulness and reminds us that in acknowledging our sins, we open ourselves to the LORD’s mercy and forgiveness.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I honestly and humbly acknowledge my own sins? Do I turn to the LORD in humility and seek forgiveness?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You are love and light. Your beloved Son whom You sent to dwell among us as our brother and savior has revealed this to us through His words and deeds. He is the Word and through Him we came to know You and your great and loving mercy and desire that we have life. We call out to You in this time of earthly darkness, acknowledging our own sins and failures and we beg for your mercy. Send your Spirit to awaken in us more fully the resolve to be the ones You created us to be. Grant that we may live as children of the Light and recognize your beloved Son as the Light of the World. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.