Daily Readings - Mon Mar 31 2025
Isaiah
17For behold, I create the new heavens and the new earth. And the former things will not be in memory and will not enter into the heart18But you will be glad and exult, even forever, in these things that I create. For behold, I create Jerusalem as an exultation, and its people as a joy19And I will exult in Jerusalem, and I will rejoice in my people. And neither a voice of weeping, nor a voice of outcry, will be heard in her anymore20There will no longer be an infant of only a few days there, nor an elder who does not complete his days. For a mere child dies at a hundred years of age, and a sinner of a hundred years will be accursed21And they will build houses, and will inhabit them. And they will plant vineyards, and will eat their fruits
John
43Then, after two days, he departed from there, and he traveled into Galilee44For Jesus himself offered testimony that a Prophet has no honor in his own country45And so, when he had arrived in Galilee, the Galileans received him, because they had seen all that he had done at Jerusalem, in the day of the feast. For they also went to the feast day46Then he went again into Cana of Galilee, where he made water into wine. And there was a certain ruler, whose son was sick at Capernaum47Since he had heard that Jesus came to Galilee from Judea, he sent to him and begged him to come down and heal his son. For he was beginning to die48Therefore, Jesus said to him, "Unless you have seen signs and wonders, you do not believe.49The ruler said to him, "Lord, come down before my son dies.50Jesus said to him, "Go, your son lives." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and so he went away51Then, as he was going down, his servants met him. And they reported to him, saying that his son was alive52Therefore, he asked them at which hour he had become better. And they said to him, "Yesterday, at the seventh hour, the fever left him.53Then the father realized that it was at the same hour that Jesus said to him, "Your son lives." And both he and his entire household believed54This next sign was the second that Jesus accomplished, after he had arrived in Galilee from Judea
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope, healing, and faith. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where sorrow and pain are erased, replaced by joy and prosperity. This vision of a new heavens and a new earth is a promise of restoration, offering comfort to a people who had endured hardship. The Gospel from John tells the story of Jesus healing the royal official's son, a miracle that underscores Jesus' divine authority and the transformative power of faith.
These readings are connected by the theme of God's desire to heal and restore. Isaiah's prophecy speaks of a broader, future restoration, while John's account provides a specific example of Jesus' healing power. Together, they remind us that God's plan is both ultimate and intimate, encompassing both the grand future and our personal struggles.
In our daily lives, we face various forms of affliction, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Like the royal official, we are called to trust in God's word, even when we cannot see the outcome. The lesson here is one of faith and trust. Just as the official believed Jesus without immediate proof, we too can place our trust in God's promises. This faith not only brings us comfort but also inspires us to pray with perseverance and confidence in God's mercy. Let us hold onto this hope and trust, knowing that God's healing touch is available to us all.