Daily Readings - Wed Dec 14 2022
Isaiah
6So may those who are from the rising of the sun, and those who are from its setting, know that there is no one beside me. I am the Lord, and there is no other7I form the light and create the darkness. I make peace and create disaster. I, the Lord, do all these things8Send down dew from above, O heavens, and let the clouds rain down upon the just! Let the earth open and spring forth a savior! And let justice rise up at once! I, the Lord, have created him18For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens, God himself who formed the earth and made it, the very Molder of it. He did not create it to no purpose. He formed it so that it would be inhabited. I am the Lord, and there is no other21Announce it, and approach, and consult together. Who has caused this to be heard from the beginning, and who has foretold it from that time? Is it not I, the Lord? And is there some other god beside me? I am a just God who saves, and there is no one except me22All ends of the earth, be converted to me, and you will be saved. For I am God, and there is no other23I have sworn by myself. The Word of justice will proceed from my mouth, and it will not turn back. For every knee shall bend to me, and every tongue shall swear it.24Therefore, he will say, "In the Lord are my justices and my dominion." They will go to him. And all who fight against him will be confounded25In the Lord, all the offspring of Israel will be justified and praised
Luke
19And John called two of his disciples, and he sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you he who is to come, or should we wait for another?20But when the men had come to him, they said: "John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying: ‘Are you he who is to come, or should we wait for another?’ 21Now in that same hour, he cured many of their diseases and wounds and evil spirits; and to many of the blind, he gave sight22And responding, he said to them: "Go and report to John what you have heard and seen: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor are evangelized23And blessed is anyone who has not taken offense at me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. The passage from Isaiah emphasizes God's uniqueness as the creator and savior, urging all ends of the earth to turn to Him. It reassures us of His presence and plan, especially during times of uncertainty. The Gospel from Luke presents a moment of doubt from John the Baptist, who, despite his imprisonment and questioning, receives affirmation through Jesus' miracles, which fulfill the prophecies of old.
These readings connect in their themes of trust and fulfillment. Isaiah's words, spoken during Israel's exile, remind us of God's enduring presence and plan. Luke's narrative shows Jesus affirming His identity through His works, reinforcing faith amidst doubt. Together, they call us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when our circumstances are challenging.
In our daily lives, let us recognize God's presence in our struggles and trust His plan. As we navigate uncertainties, may we look for signs of His work around us. Let us draw strength from the knowledge that God's promises are fulfilled in His time, and may we remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in His providence and love.