Daily Readings - Fri Sep 08 2017
First Reading - Romans 8.28-30 or Micah 5.2-5a
Romans
28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Micah
2But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.3Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel.4And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.5And he shall be their peace.When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men;
Matthew
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.19And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.20But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.21She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:23"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel"(which means, God with us).
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound expressions of God’s providence and the call to trust in His plan. The first reading from Romans reminds us that for those who love God, all things work together for good. St. Paul assures us that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of God’s Son, called, justified, and ultimately glorified. This passage invites us to see our lives as part of a larger divine plan, where even the challenges we face are opportunities for growth in holiness. The Gospel, from Matthew, presents us with the story of Joseph, a just and faithful man who is called to trust in God’s plan despite the unexpected and challenging circumstances of Mary’s pregnancy. Through Joseph’s example, we see the importance of humility, obedience, and trust in God’s providence.
Both readings emphasize the theme of trust in God’s plan. In Romans, this trust is rooted in the theological truth of our predestination to share in the glory of Christ. In Matthew, it is lived out in the concrete circumstances of Joseph’s life. Just as Joseph was called to accept Mary as his wife and to care for the Son of God, we too are called to embrace our own vocations and to trust that God is at work in our lives, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. The readings remind us that our lives are not mere coincidences but are part of a divine plan that unfolds in ways we may not always understand.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Do we truly trust that God is working all things for our good? Are we open to embracing the unexpected challenges and opportunities that come our way? Like Joseph, we are called to be faithful and obedient, even when the road ahead seems difficult. May we, like him, trust in God’s providence and allow ourselves to be instruments of His plan. In doing so, we will find peace in the midst of uncertainty and fulfill our own unique role in the story of salvation.