Daily Readings - Thu Dec 16 2021
Isaiah
1"Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married," says the LORD.2"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.3For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.4"Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.5For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.6For the LORD has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God.7For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you.8In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you," says the LORD, your Redeemer.9"This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you.10For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Luke
24When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?25What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts.26What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.27This is he of whom it is written, "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'28I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."29(When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John,30but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and humility. The first reading from Isaiah 54 speaks to a people in exile, offering comfort and the promise of restoration. Jerusalem, personified as a barren woman, is assured of God's enduring mercy and the expansion of His people, symbolized by an ever-enlarging tent. This passage, written after the Babylonian exile, reminds us that even in despair, God's faithfulness endures, promising a future filled with life and joy.
The Gospel from Luke 7:24-30 shifts our focus to John the Baptist, whom Jesus praises as the greatest among those born of women. John's role as a prophet and precursor to Christ is emphasized, yet Jesus notes that even the least in the kingdom surpasses John. This highlights the transition from the Old Covenant to the New, where humility and openness to God's will are paramount. The people's acceptance of John's baptism contrasts with the Pharisees' rejection, underscoring the importance of responding to God's plan with humility.
Together, these readings invite us to trust in God's mercy and remain open to His will. Like Isaiah's barren woman, we are called to embrace hope despite challenges. Like John the Baptist, we are to humble ourselves, recognizing our role within God's larger plan. May we, in our daily lives, reflect this hope and humility, trusting in God's faithfulness and responding with open hearts to His call.