Daily Readings - Sun Jan 08 2023
Isaiah
1Rise up to be illuminated, O Jerusalem! For your light has arrived, and the glory of the Lord has risen over you2For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and thick darkness will cover the peoples. Then the Lord will rise above you, and his glory will be seen in you3And the nations will walk in your light, and the kings will walk by the splendor of your rising4Lift up your eyes all around and see! All these have been gathered together; they have arrived before you. Your sons will arrive from far away, and your daughters will rise up from your side5Then you will see, and you will overflow, and your heart will be amazed and expanded. When the multitude of the sea will have been converted to you, the strength of the nations will approach you6A multitude of camels will inundate you: the dromedaries from Midian and Ephah. All those from Sheba will arrive, carrying gold and frankincense, and announcing praise to the Lord
Ephesians
2Now certainly, you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which has been given to me among you3that, by means of revelation, the mystery was made known to me, just as I have written above in a few words5In other generations, this was unknown to the sons of men, even as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and Prophets in the Spirit6so that the Gentiles would be co-heirs, and of the same body, and partners together, by his promise in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel
Matthew
1And so, when Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of king Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem2saying: "Where is he who was born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and we have come to adore him.3Now king Herod, hearing this, was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him4And gathering together all the leaders of the priests, and the scribes of the people, he consulted with them as to where the Christ would be born5And they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Judea. For so it has been written by the prophet6‘And you, Bethlehem, the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah. For from you shall go forth the ruler who shall guide my people Israel.’ 7Then Herod, quietly calling the Magi, diligently learned from them the time when the star appeared to them8And sending them into Bethlehem, he said: "Go and diligently ask questions about the boy. And when you have found him, report back to me, so that I, too, may come and adore him.9And when they had heard the king, they went away. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them, even until, arriving, it stood still above the place where the child was10Then, seeing the star, they were gladdened by a very great joy11And entering the home, they found the boy with his mother Mary. And so, falling prostrate, they adored him. And opening their treasures, they offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh12And having received a response in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back by another way to their own region
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through prophecy, revelation, and fulfillment, all centered on the universal call to worship and embrace the light of Christ. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem rising in glory, attracting nations to her light, with gifts symbolizing worship and devotion. This prophecy is not just about a place but about a people—God's people, both Jews and Gentiles. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reveals the mystery of the Gospel: that through Christ, Gentiles are co-heirs, united in one body. This mystery, once hidden, is now unveiled, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's plan. The Gospel narrative of the Magi, wise men from the East, brings this prophecy and mystery to life. They follow a star, guided by faith and curiosity, to worship the newborn King, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their journey symbolizes the universal draw of Christ's light, transcending borders and backgrounds.
The connection between these readings is profound. Isaiah's prophecy and Paul's revelation find their fulfillment in the Magi's visit. The light of Christ, once thought to be for the Jews alone, is revealed to all nations. The Magi, as Gentiles, embody this inclusion, showing that the Gospel is for everyone. Their willingness to seek and worship Jesus, despite the challenges, illustrates the transformative power of faith. Paul's role as a steward of this mystery highlights the responsibility to share this inclusive message with the world.
In our daily lives, we are called to emulate the Magi's openness and perseverance. Like them, we must seek Jesus with determination, guided by faith even when the path is uncertain. The readings remind us to embrace diversity and inclusion, recognizing that the light of Christ is for all people. We are to be like the star, shining brightly to guide others to Him. Trusting in God's guidance, as the Magi did, we navigate life's challenges with courage and hope, always remembering that the Gospel's message is universal.
The moral lesson here is clear: the light of Christ is not confined but is meant to illuminate all nations. We are called to be part of this illumination, welcoming others into the body of Christ. Let us, like the Magi, approach worship with humility and generosity, and like Paul, be steadfast in sharing the Gospel's inclusive message. May we trust in God's plan, even when it seems mysterious, and may His light guide us to be instruments of unity and love in a diverse world.