Daily Readings - Sun Jan 07 2024

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 2

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 themes of light, revelation, and the universal embrace of God's plan. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem as a beacon of light, where nations gather, bringing gifts and glory. This prophecy speaks to a time of restoration and hope, where God's light transcends borders, inviting all to partake in His radiance. Ephesians unfolds this mystery further, revealing that the Gospel was always intended for the Gentiles, making them co-heirs with the Jews in God's promise. This epistle emphasizes the unity and inclusion that Christ brings, breaking down walls between peoples. In Matthew, we see this prophecy and mystery fulfilled as the Magi, representing the Gentiles, follow the star to Bethlehem, bearing gifts for the newborn King. Their journey symbolizes the universal call to recognize and adore Christ, despite the darkness of Herod's opposition. These readings are deeply interconnected, each shedding light on the others. Isaiah's vision of nations streaming to Jerusalem finds its fulfillment in the Magi's visit, while Ephesians explains the theological underpinning of this inclusion. Together, they reveal God's plan for a world united in His light. The Magi's trust in the star and their perseverance despite obstacles remind us to trust in God's guidance and to seek Him with openness and faith. Their encounter with Herod also warns us of the dangers of pride and the desire for power, urging us to approach God with humility and reverence. In our daily lives, we are called to be like the Magi, seeking God with open hearts and minds. We are invited to embrace the diversity of God's family, recognizing that His plan includes people from all walks of life. Let us, like the Magi, bring our own gifts—our talents, resources, and love—to worship and serve Him. May we also learn to trust in God's providence, even when the path is uncertain, and to avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance. As we reflect on these readings, may we be illuminated by God's light and guided by His star, leading us ever closer to Him and to one another.