Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 11, 2019
First Reading: Isaiah 40.25-31
25"And to whom would you compare me or equate me?" says the Holy One26Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things. He leads forth their army by number, and he calls them all by name. Because of the fullness of his strength and robustness and virtue, not one of them was left behind27Why do you say this, O Jacob, and why do you speak this way, O Israel? "My way has been hidden from the Lord, and my judgment escaped notice by my God.28Do you not know, or have you not heard? The Lord is the eternal God, who has created the limits of the earth. He does not diminish, and he does not struggle. Neither is his wisdom searchable29It is he who gives strength to the weary, and it is he who increases fortitude and strength in those who are failing30Servants will struggle and fail, and young men will fall into infirmity31But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will take up wings like eagles. They will run and not struggle. They will walk and not tire
Psalm 103
1To David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and bless his holy name, all that is within me2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his recompenses3He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities4He redeems your life from destruction. He crowns you with mercy and compassion5He satisfies your desire with good things. Your youth will be renewed like that of the eagle6The Lord accomplishes mercies, and his judgment is for all who patiently endure injuries7He has made his ways known to Moses, his will to the sons of Israel8The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy9He will not be angry forever, and he will not threaten for eternity10He has not dealt with us according to our sins, and he has not repaid us according to our iniquities11For according to the height of the heavens above the earth, so has he reinforced his mercy toward those who fear him12As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our iniquities from us13As a father is compassionate to his sons, so has the Lord been compassionate to those who fear him14For he knows our form. He has called to mind that we are dust15Man: his days are like hay. Like the flower of the field, so will he flourish16For the spirit in him will pass away, and it will not remain, and he will know his place no longer17But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, and even unto eternity, upon those who fear him. And his justice is with the sons of the sons18with those who serve his covenant and have been mindful of his commandments by doing them19The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven, and his kingdom will rule over all20Bless the Lord, all you his Angels: powerful in virtue, doing his word, in order to heed the voice of his discourse21Bless the Lord, all his hosts: his ministers who do his will22Bless the Lord, all his works: in every place of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul
Gospel: Matthew 11.28-30
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and comfort from both Isaiah and Matthew. The first reading from Isaiah speaks to a people in exile, weary and feeling abandoned. Isaiah reminds them of God's immense power and care, urging them to trust in His strength. He highlights that God, who creates and sustains all things, does not grow weary and is always present to renew their energy. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus offering rest to those burdened, inviting them to take on His yoke, which is light and easy. Jesus emphasizes His meekness and humility, promising that those who come to Him will find the rest their souls desire.
Both readings, though separated by time, share a common theme of divine comfort and strength. Isaiah focuses on God's might, while Jesus offers a personal, gentle invitation. Together, they remind us that our faith is both awe-inspiring and intimately personal. In our lives, we often feel overwhelmed, much like the Israelites in exile or the people Jesus addressed. These passages encourage us to seek God's strength and find rest in Jesus, balancing trust in divine power with a personal relationship with Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us remember that true strength comes from humility and trust in God. In a world that often values self-reliance, we are called to acknowledge our limitations and seek divine assistance. By trusting in God and finding rest in Jesus, we can face life's challenges with renewed vigor and hope. Let us embrace this invitation to humility and trust, allowing God to carry our burdens and guide us on our journey.