Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 9, 2018
First Reading: Baruch 5.1-9
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Psalm 126
1When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.2Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."3The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.4Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!5Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!6He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Second Reading: Philippians 1.3-6, 8-11
3I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.8For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.9And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,10so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Gospel: Luke 3.1-6
1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.3And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.4As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.5Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways,6and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter themes of preparation, hope, and spiritual growth. The first reading from Baruch offers a prophetic vision of Jerusalem's restoration, urging the city to shed its sorrow and don the garments of eternal glory. This passage speaks of a future where Jerusalem's children return, guided by God's light, emphasizing the transformative power of divine grace. The second reading from Philippians shifts focus to the community, with Paul expressing gratitude for their partnership in the Gospel. He prays for their love to abound with knowledge and understanding, striving for blamelessness on the day of Christ. This highlights the importance of continuous spiritual growth and virtuous living. The Gospel from Luke introduces John the Baptist, who calls for repentance and the preparation of a straight path for the Lord, echoing Isaiah's words. This serves as a call to ready ourselves for Christ's arrival, both in our hearts and in our world.
These readings intertwine by emphasizing preparation—whether for the return of the exiles, the deepening of faith, or the coming of Jesus. Baruch and Luke both stress the need to clear the way, metaphorically and spiritually, for divine presence. Paul's letter to the Philippians bridges these ideas by focusing on the community's spiritual journey, illustrating that true preparation involves growth in love and wisdom.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own preparation for encountering Christ. Like John the Baptist, we are called to clear the obstacles in our hearts, making straight the paths for God's grace. This involves repentance, seeking forgiveness, and living with integrity. As Paul prayed for the Philippians, we too can pray for the grace to grow in love and understanding, ensuring our lives bear the fruit of righteousness. May we embrace this call to prepare our hearts and lives, walking diligently in the honor of God, as we await the revelation of His glory.