Daily Readings - Fri Dec 02 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of faith and the fulfillment of God's promises. In the first reading from Isaiah, we glimpse a future where the world is renewed: the deaf hear, the blind see, and the meek find joy in the Lord. This vision of redemption is not just a distant hope but a present reality through God's intervention. Isaiah emphasizes that God's redemption brings understanding and learning, especially to those who have strayed, highlighting the universal reach of His grace.
In the Gospel, Matthew recounts the story of two blind men healed by Jesus. Their faith is pivotal; they trust in Jesus' power, and their sight is restored. Despite Jesus' request for silence, they spread the news, illustrating the irresistible urge to share the Good News. This miracle fulfills Isaiah's prophecy, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan.
These readings remind us to trust in God's power and to share our faith boldly. Just as the blind men trusted Jesus, we should have faith in His transformative power. Moreover, we are called to spread the Gospel, even when faced with challenges. The moral lesson here is the importance of faith and evangelization, urging us to embrace God's grace and share it with others.