Daily Readings - Sun Jan 08 2023
Isaiah
1Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.2For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.3And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.4Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.5Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.6A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.
Ephesians
2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,3how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.5which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Matthew
1Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,2saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."3When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;4and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.5They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6"'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'"7Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.8And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him."9After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.10When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.11And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.12And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through prophecy, revelation, and fulfillment, all centered on the universal call to worship and embrace the light of Christ. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem rising in glory, attracting nations to her light, with gifts symbolizing worship and devotion. This prophecy is not just about a place but about a people—God's people, both Jews and Gentiles. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reveals the mystery of the Gospel: that through Christ, Gentiles are co-heirs, united in one body. This mystery, once hidden, is now unveiled, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's plan. The Gospel narrative of the Magi, wise men from the East, brings this prophecy and mystery to life. They follow a star, guided by faith and curiosity, to worship the newborn King, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their journey symbolizes the universal draw of Christ's light, transcending borders and backgrounds.
The connection between these readings is profound. Isaiah's prophecy and Paul's revelation find their fulfillment in the Magi's visit. The light of Christ, once thought to be for the Jews alone, is revealed to all nations. The Magi, as Gentiles, embody this inclusion, showing that the Gospel is for everyone. Their willingness to seek and worship Jesus, despite the challenges, illustrates the transformative power of faith. Paul's role as a steward of this mystery highlights the responsibility to share this inclusive message with the world.
In our daily lives, we are called to emulate the Magi's openness and perseverance. Like them, we must seek Jesus with determination, guided by faith even when the path is uncertain. The readings remind us to embrace diversity and inclusion, recognizing that the light of Christ is for all people. We are to be like the star, shining brightly to guide others to Him. Trusting in God's guidance, as the Magi did, we navigate life's challenges with courage and hope, always remembering that the Gospel's message is universal.
The moral lesson here is clear: the light of Christ is not confined but is meant to illuminate all nations. We are called to be part of this illumination, welcoming others into the body of Christ. Let us, like the Magi, approach worship with humility and generosity, and like Paul, be steadfast in sharing the Gospel's inclusive message. May we trust in God's plan, even when it seems mysterious, and may His light guide us to be instruments of unity and love in a diverse world.