Daily Readings for January 2, 2018

Memorial of Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and Doctors of the Church

1ST READING

To deny that Jesus Christ is the Messiah is a lie. When it comes to salvation, there is nothing more important than to know through whom it comes from – salvation is given by God the Father through His Son, Jesus. This is a “yes” or “no” issue. Let’s make sure we get it right. But saying “yes” has its consequences. We have to reflect this truth in the way we live.

1 John 2:22-28

22 Beloved: Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son — this is the antichrist. 23 Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. 26 I write you these things about those who would deceive you. 27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything that is true and not false; just as it was taught you, remain in him. 28 And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming.

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R)2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R)All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)

GOSPEL

John the Baptist’s role in the work of salvation was to pave the way for Christ’s mission. Today, our role is to make that mission known. We have different roles according to our gifts and talents. We need to discern our role and be faithful to it – this is discipleship. Let us respond to God’s call for us to be His disciples.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

In times past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son.

John 1:19-28

19 This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” 21 So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 23 He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.