Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 7, 2022
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 find a profound message of hope and trust in God's providence. The first reading from Isaiah 40:25-31 reminds us of God's incomparable power and care. Speaking through the prophet, God asks, "To whom would you compare me?" emphasizing His uniqueness and might. He leads the stars by number and names each, showing meticulous care over creation. Addressing Jacob and Israel, God comforts them, reminding them that even when they feel hidden or unnoticed, His presence endures. The passage concludes with a promise: those who hope in the Lord will find renewed strength, soaring like eagles.
In the Gospel, Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. He offers His yoke, promising it is easy and His burden light. This invitation contrasts the heavy loads we often carry with the gentle leadership of Christ, who models meekness and humility. Both readings connect through themes of trust and rest, encouraging us to surrender our burdens to God.
Applying this to our lives, we all face weariness and burdens. The readings urge us to turn to God, trusting in His care and finding rest in Him. The moral lesson is one of trust and surrender, recognizing that true strength comes from humility and reliance on God. Let us seek God's rest and trust in His providence, especially in times of fatigue, embracing the hope and renewal He offers.