Daily Readings - Tue Feb 23 2021
Isaiah
10"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Matthew
7"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.10Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11Give us this day our daily bread,12and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.14For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,15but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the power and purpose of God’s word and the call to live in harmony with His will. The first reading from Isaiah uses the imagery of rain and snow to illustrate how God’s word is sent forth to accomplish His purposes. Just as water nourishes the earth and brings forth life, so too does God’s word bring forth fruitfulness in those who receive it. This passage speaks to the Israelites in exile, offering them hope that despite their current struggles, God’s word will not return empty but will achieve its intended purpose of restoring and renewing His people.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to prayer and forgiveness. Jesus teaches us how to pray, not with empty repetition like the pagans, but with simplicity and trust in God’s providence. The Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus gives us, is a model of humility and dependence on God. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s will above our own and of forgiveness as a cornerstone of our relationship with God and with others. Jesus makes it clear that our willingness to forgive others is directly tied to God’s forgiveness of us, highlighting the reciprocal nature of love and mercy.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another. Isaiah reminds us that God’s word is alive and active, shaping us and calling us to fruitfulness. Matthew challenges us to approach prayer with authenticity and to embrace forgiveness as a way of life. As we go about our daily lives, let us trust in the power of God’s word to guide and transform us. Let us also strive to forgive others as God forgives us, creating spaces of grace and reconciliation in our families, communities, and world. In doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will and allow His kingdom to take root in our hearts and in the world around us.