Daily Readings - Fri Dec 03 2021
Isaiah
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."
Matthew
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 messages of hope, healing, and the transformative power of faith. The passage from Isaiah envisions a future where the oppressed and afflicted are restored, and the blind, both physically and spiritually, receive sight. This prophecy speaks to a time of redemption where God’s justice prevails, and His people are sanctified. The Gospel from Matthew illustrates this transformation through the healing of two blind men who, with unwavering faith, cry out to Jesus for mercy. Their trust is rewarded as Jesus restores their sight, embodying the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in His ministry.
Both readings emphasize the context of hope amidst adversity. Isaiah’s message was to a struggling Israel, promising renewal and justice, while Matthew’s narrative highlights Jesus as the Messiah who brings light and healing. The connection between the two lies in their focus on faith and trust in God’s plan. The blind men’s persistence and belief in Jesus mirror the faith required for spiritual healing and understanding, as foretold by Isaiah.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to trust in God’s transformative power, even in darkness. Like the blind men, we must approach God with faith, knowing He can heal and restore us. Additionally, we are called to share the Good News, spreading the light of Christ’s message, just as the healed men did. The moral lesson here is one of hope and evangelization, urging us to have faith in God’s plan and to share His love with others, bringing light into a world that often feels dark.