Daily Readings - Mon Jan 09 2023

First Reading - Isaiah 42.1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10.34-38

¹Behold my servant, I will uphold him, my elect, with him my soul is well-pleased. I have sent my Spirit upon him. He will offer judgment to the nations²He will not cry out, and he will not show favoritism to anyone; neither will his voice be heard abroad³The bruised reed he will not break, and the smoldering wick he will not extinguish. He will lead forth judgment unto truth⁴He will not be saddened or troubled, until he establishes judgment on earth. And the islands will await his law⁶I, the Lord, have called you in justice, and I have taken your hand and preserved you. And I have presented you as a covenant of the people, as a light to the Gentiles⁷so that you may open the eyes of the blind, and lead out the prisoner from confinement and those sitting in darkness from the house of incarceration

Acts

Chapter 10

³⁴Then, Peter, opening his mouth, said: "I have concluded in truth that God is not a respecter of persons³⁵But within every nation, whoever fears him and works justice is acceptable to him³⁶God sent the Word to the sons of Israel, announcing the peace through Jesus Christ, for he is the Lord of all³⁷You know that the Word has been made known throughout all Judea. For beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached³⁸Jesus of Nazareth, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, traveled around doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil. For God was with him

Matthew

Chapter 3

¹³Then Jesus came from Galilee, to John at the Jordan, in order to be baptized by him¹⁴But John refused him, saying, "I ought to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?¹⁵And responding, Jesus said to him: "Permit this for now. For in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all justice." Then he allowed him¹⁶And Jesus, having been baptized, ascended from the water immediately, and behold, the heavens were opened to him. And he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him¹⁷And behold, there was a voice from heaven, saying: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of justice, humility, and the gentle yet profound way God works in the world. In the first reading from Isaiah, we encounter a prophecy about a servant of the Lord who will bring justice to the nations not through force or noise, but through gentleness and compassion. This servant, chosen and upheld by God, will be a light to the Gentiles and will free those trapped in darkness. The passage emphasizes that true justice is not about power or dominance but about healing the broken and upholding the vulnerable. In the Gospel, we see this prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist reveals a profound moment of humility and obedience. Despite John’s hesitation, Jesus insists on being baptized, saying it is necessary to “fulfill all justice.” This act of humility is met with a divine affirmation: the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares Jesus to be His beloved Son. This moment is not just about Jesus; it is about God’s way of working in the world—through self-giving love and humility rather than through might or coercion. These readings remind us that our Christian life is not about seeking power or recognition but about living with humility, compassion, and gentleness. Just as Jesus fulfilled justice by being baptized, we are called to fulfill justice by living out our faith in ways that uplift others and bring light to those in darkness. Let us ask ourselves: How can we, like the servant in Isaiah and like Jesus, be instruments of God’s healing and justice in our daily lives? May we trust in God’s plan and allow the Spirit to guide us in living with humility, love, and courage.