Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 9, 2020
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
The first reading from Isaiah invites us to reflect on God’s majesty and power as Creator. The prophet challenges us to recognize that no one can compare to the Holy One, who has created the heavens and governs all things with strength and wisdom. Isaiah reminds the people of Israel, and us, not to lose faith even when we feel forgotten or when our struggles seem endless. He assures us that God does not grow weary, and though we may falter, those who hope in the Lord will find new strength, like eagles soaring high. This passage is a call to trust in God’s providence and to remember that our strength comes from Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus offers a similar invitation to trust and hope. He says, “Come to me, all you who labor and have been burdened, and I will refresh you.” These words are a promise of rest and renewal for those who are weary. Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us, not because it is easy, but because His yoke is “sweet” and His burden is “light.” This doesn’t mean our struggles will disappear, but it does mean that when we yoke ourselves to Him, we will find the strength to carry our burdens with grace and peace. Jesus’ words are a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles; He walks with us and shares our load.
Both readings remind us to trust in God’s strength and to seek comfort in Him. In a world that often feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose heart or to think that God has forgotten us. But Isaiah and Jesus both assure us that God is near, and His power is available to us. In our daily lives, when we feel weary or burdened, we can turn to God in prayer, asking for the grace to persevere. Let us learn to yoke ourselves to Jesus, trusting that His strength will sustain us and that His peace will refresh our souls.