Daily Readings - Thu Dec 15 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on hope, trust, and the surprising ways God works in our lives. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a message of consolation and restoration. The prophet speaks to a people in exile, feeling abandoned and barren, but he assures them that God will not only restore them but also bless them abundantly. The imagery of the tent being enlarged and the desolate cities being inhabited signifies God’s faithfulness and the promise of new life. This passage reminds us that even in times of despair, God’s mercy and love are always at work, preparing a future filled with hope.
In the Gospel, Jesus praises John the Baptist as a prophet and more than a prophet, for he is the one who prepares the way for the Lord. Jesus emphasizes that John’s role is not just to point to himself but to point to the One who is to come. This teaches us about humility and trust in God’s plan. John’s humility and faithfulness in his mission are a model for us. The Pharisees and scholars of the law, however, reject John’s message, showing us the danger of pride and hardness of heart. Jesus reminds us that even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than John, not because of their own merits, but because they have accepted the grace of God’s kingdom.
These readings call us to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unclear or difficult. Like the exiles in Isaiah, we may feel barren or forsaken at times, but God is always working to bring new life and hope. Like John the Baptist, we are called to be faithful in our mission, pointing others to Christ with humility and joy. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s mercy, to embrace humility, and to open our hearts to the surprises of His kingdom. May we, like the tax collectors and the people in the Gospel, justify God by embracing His plan and living with faith and gratitude.