Daily Readings - Wed Dec 09 2020
Isaiah
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
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.