Daily Readings - Wed Dec 11 2019

Isaiah

25To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.26Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.27Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"?28Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.29He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.30Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;31but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Matthew

28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and comfort from both Isaiah and Matthew. The first reading from Isaiah speaks to a people in exile, weary and feeling abandoned. Isaiah reminds them of God's immense power and care, urging them to trust in His strength. He highlights that God, who creates and sustains all things, does not grow weary and is always present to renew their energy. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus offering rest to those burdened, inviting them to take on His yoke, which is light and easy. Jesus emphasizes His meekness and humility, promising that those who come to Him will find the rest their souls desire. Both readings, though separated by time, share a common theme of divine comfort and strength. Isaiah focuses on God's might, while Jesus offers a personal, gentle invitation. Together, they remind us that our faith is both awe-inspiring and intimately personal. In our lives, we often feel overwhelmed, much like the Israelites in exile or the people Jesus addressed. These passages encourage us to seek God's strength and find rest in Jesus, balancing trust in divine power with a personal relationship with Christ. As we reflect on these readings, let us remember that true strength comes from humility and trust in God. In a world that often values self-reliance, we are called to acknowledge our limitations and seek divine assistance. By trusting in God and finding rest in Jesus, we can face life's challenges with renewed vigor and hope. Let us embrace this invitation to humility and trust, allowing God to carry our burdens and guide us on our journey.