Daily Readings - Tue Feb 23 2021
Isaiah
10And in the same manner as rain and snow descend from heaven, and no longer return there, but soak the earth, and water it, and cause it to bloom and to provide seed to the sower and bread to the hungry11so also will my word be, which will go forth from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish whatever I will, and it will prosper in the tasks for which I sent it
Matthew
7And when praying, do not choose many words, as the pagans do. For they think that by their excess of words they might be heeded8Therefore, do not choose to imitate them. For your Father knows what your needs may be, even before you ask him9Therefore, you shall pray in this way: Our Father, who is in heaven: May your name be kept holy10May your kingdom come. May your will be done, as in heaven, so also on earth11Give us this day our life-sustaining bread12And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors13And lead us not into temptation. But free us from evil. Amen14For if you will forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father also will forgive you your offenses15But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your sins
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the power and purpose of God’s word and the call to live in harmony with His will. The first reading from Isaiah uses the imagery of rain and snow to illustrate how God’s word is sent forth to accomplish His purposes. Just as water nourishes the earth and brings forth life, so too does God’s word bring forth fruitfulness in those who receive it. This passage speaks to the Israelites in exile, offering them hope that despite their current struggles, God’s word will not return empty but will achieve its intended purpose of restoring and renewing His people.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to prayer and forgiveness. Jesus teaches us how to pray, not with empty repetition like the pagans, but with simplicity and trust in God’s providence. The Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus gives us, is a model of humility and dependence on God. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s will above our own and of forgiveness as a cornerstone of our relationship with God and with others. Jesus makes it clear that our willingness to forgive others is directly tied to God’s forgiveness of us, highlighting the reciprocal nature of love and mercy.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another. Isaiah reminds us that God’s word is alive and active, shaping us and calling us to fruitfulness. Matthew challenges us to approach prayer with authenticity and to embrace forgiveness as a way of life. As we go about our daily lives, let us trust in the power of God’s word to guide and transform us. Let us also strive to forgive others as God forgives us, creating spaces of grace and reconciliation in our families, communities, and world. In doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will and allow His kingdom to take root in our hearts and in the world around us.