Daily Readings - Tue Dec 14 2021
Zephaniah
1Woe to the provocatrix and the redeemed city, the dove2She has not heeded the voice, nor has she accepted discipline. She has not trusted in the Lord; she did not draw near to her God9For then I will restore to the people a chosen lip, so that all may invoke the name of the Lord and may serve him with one shoulder10From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, my supplicants, the sons of my diaspora, will carry a gift to me11In that day, you will not be ashamed over all of your inventions, by which you have transgressed against me. For then I will take away from your midst your arrogant boasters, and you will no longer be exalted on my holy mountain12And I will bequeath into your midst a poor and needy people, and they will hope in the name of the Lord13The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity, nor speak lies, and a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouth. For they will pasture and will recline, and there will be no one to strike them with terror
Matthew
28But how does it seem to you? A certain man had two sons. And approaching the first, he said: ‘Son, go out today to work in my vineyard.29And responding, he said, ‘I am not willing.’ But afterwards, being moved by repentance, he went30And approaching the other, he spoke similarly. And answering, he said, ‘I am going, lord.’ And he did not go31Which of the two did the will of the father?" They said to him, "The first." Jesus said to them: "Amen I say to you, that tax collectors and prostitutes shall precede you, into the kingdom of God32For John came to you in the way of justice, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Yet even after seeing this, you did not repent, so as to believe him
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about repentance, obedience, and the true nature of faith. The prophet Zephaniah addresses a rebellious city, urging its people to turn back to God. Despite their initial defiance, God promises restoration, transforming their hearts to humility and righteousness. This passage emphasizes that true faith leads to a life of moral integrity and trust in God.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons, highlighting the contrast between words and actions. The son who initially refuses but later obeys illustrates genuine repentance, while the one who agrees but doesn’t act represents hollow commitment. Jesus then relates this to the religious leaders, noting that tax collectors and prostitutes, though considered sinners, repented and entered the kingdom before them. This underscores that true faith is about action, not just words.
These readings remind us that faith requires more than lip service. It demands humility, repentance, and living out our beliefs. In our daily lives, let us strive to walk the walk, embracing a humble and obedient heart, trusting in God’s promise of restoration and renewal.