Daily Readings - Fri Sep 08 2023

First Reading - Romans 8.28-30 or Micah 5.2-5a

²⁸And we know that, for those who love God, all things work together unto good, for those who, in accordance with his purpose, are called to be saints²⁹For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined, in conformity with the image of his Son, so that he might be the Firstborn among many brothers³⁰And those whom he predestined, he also called. And those whom he called, he also justified. And those whom he justified, he also glorified

Micah

Chapter 5

²And you, Bethlehem Ephrata, are a little one among the thousands of Judah. From you will go forth he who shall be the ruler in Israel, and his landing place has been set from the beginning, from the days of eternity³Because of this, he will provide for them, even until the time in which she who bears him gives birth. And the remnant of his brothers will be converted to the sons of Israel⁴And he will stand firm and feed on the strength of the Lord, according to the sublime name of the Lord his God. And they will be converted, for now he will be magnified, even to the ends of the earth⁵And this man will be our peace, when the Assyrian will come into our land, and when he will trample on our houses; and we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight principal men

Matthew

Chapter 1

¹⁸Now the procreation of the Christ occurred in this way. After his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they lived together, she was found to have conceived in her womb by the Holy Spirit¹⁹Then Joseph, her husband, since he was just and was not willing to hand her over, preferred to send her away secretly²⁰But while thinking over these things, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to accept Mary as your wife. For what has been formed in her is of the Holy Spirit²¹And she shall give birth to a son. And you shall call his name JESUS. For he shall accomplish the salvation of his people from their sins.²²Now all this occurred in order to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying²³"Behold, a virgin shall conceive in her womb, and she shall give birth to a son. And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means: God is with us.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about God's providence and trust. The first reading from Romans 8:28-30 assures us that all things work together for good for those who love God. This passage is part of Paul's larger discussion on the relationship between suffering and glory, emphasizing that God's plan is always at work, even in uncertain times. The Gospel from Matthew 1:18-23 presents the story of Joseph, a righteous man faced with a perplexing situation. Joseph's trust in God's plan, despite initial confusion, exemplifies unwavering faith and obedience. The readings are connected through the theme of trust in God's plan. In Romans, Paul reassures believers that God's plan is always for their good, even when circumstances seem challenging. In Matthew, Joseph's trust is evident as he accepts Mary's miraculous pregnancy, guided by an angel's message. Both readings highlight the importance of trusting God, even when His plan is unclear. Applying this to daily life, we are reminded to trust God during uncertain times. Just as Joseph trusted despite confusion, we too can face life's challenges with faith. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, knowing He works all things for our good. This trust brings peace and strength, guiding us through life's uncertainties.