Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

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.

We can’t continue to sin and have fellowship with God. We can’t be uncontrite and walk in the light. We need to admit we are sinners and amend our ways. Trying to hide them from God is like Adam and Eve hiding from Him in the Garden of Eden. God can see through the leaves and see the naked truth within us. Thankfully, He is a forgiving and merciful God and wants us to be cleansed of our sins and return to His side. So let us cast aside the darkness within us and choose to know, love, and serve God with all our hearts, minds, and strengths.

What darkness lives within us? How can we cast out the darkness and return completely to the light? How can we cultivate our fellowship with God and all His children?

O Lord, let us live in the light of your fellowship and mercy.

Amen.