Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 4, 2020
First Reading: Isaiah 29.17-24
17Is it not yet a very little while until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest?18In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see.19The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.20For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off,21who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right.22Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: "Jacob shall no more be ashamed, no more shall his face grow pale.23For when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in his midst, they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.24And those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur will accept instruction."
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.3Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.4One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.5For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.6And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!8You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."9Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!10For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.11Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.12Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.13I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!14Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Gospel: Matthew 9.27-31
27And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David."28When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord."29Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."30And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, "See that no one knows about it."31But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful themes of hope, healing, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where the marginalized and oppressed are uplifted, and the blind, both physically and spiritually, gain sight. Isaiah speaks to a people in exile, offering them a vision of redemption and restoration. He assures them that God’s plan is unfolding, even in the midst of darkness, and that one day the meek will rejoice and the poor will exult in the Holy One of Israel. This passage reminds us that God’s justice and mercy are always at work, even when they seem distant.
The Gospel reading from Matthew brings this vision of restoration to life in a concrete way. Jesus, the Son of David, encounters two blind men who cry out for his mercy. When he asks them if they trust in his ability to heal, they respond with unwavering faith, “Certainly, Lord.” Their trust is rewarded as Jesus touches their eyes, restoring their sight. Yet, despite his instruction to keep the miracle quiet, the men spread the news far and wide. This story highlights the connection between faith and healing, as well as the irresistible urge to share the Good News with others.
These readings remind us that faith is not just about believing in something we cannot see; it is about trusting in God’s plan, even when the path ahead is unclear. Like the blind men, we are called to approach God with humility and trust, knowing that he desires to bring light and healing into our lives. At the same time, we are reminded that once we have experienced God’s grace, we cannot keep it to ourselves. We are called to share the joy and hope we have found with others, even when it may seem inconvenient or challenging. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s plan and to be bold in sharing his love with a world in need.