Daily Readings - Tue Dec 11 2018
Isaiah
1Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.3A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.4Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."6A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.7The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass.8The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.9Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!"10Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.11He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Matthew
12What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?13And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.14So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Sermon
In today's readings, we find a profound message of comfort and redemption. The first reading from Isaiah offers a vision of hope and renewal, urging the people to prepare for the Lord's coming. It speaks of a time when every valley will be lifted and every mountain lowered, symbolizing the removal of obstacles that hinder our path to God. The prophet calls us to be heralds of good news, much like John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Lord. This passage reminds us that despite the fleeting nature of human life, God's Word endures forever, a constant source of strength and guidance.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this message with the parable of the shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one that is lost. This story highlights God's deep care for each individual, especially the vulnerable. It illustrates the joy and love God feels when the lost are found, emphasizing that it is not His will for any to perish. This parable invites us to reflect on our own role in seeking the lost, whether in our communities or personal relationships, and to embody the compassion of the shepherd.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to live out their message in our daily lives. Just as Isaiah and the shepherd demonstrate, we are to be instruments of God's love and redemption. Let us strive to create paths for others to encounter God, whether through acts of kindness, listening ears, or open hearts. May we find joy in bringing others closer to Him, just as He finds joy in our return. In a world that often feels lost, may we be beacons of hope, reflecting God's enduring love and care for all.