Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 13, 2023
First Reading: Isaiah 40.25-31
25To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.26Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.27Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"?28Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.29He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.30Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;31but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.10He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.13As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.14For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!21Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!22Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Gospel: Matthew 11.28-30
Sermon
In today's readings, we find a powerful message of hope and comfort. The first reading from Isaiah 40:25-31 reminds us of God's incomparable power and His unwavering support for the weary. Isaiah reassures the Israelites, exiled and disheartened, that God, the creator of the universe, does not grow tired and is always a source of strength for those who trust in Him. The imagery of soaring like eagles symbolizes the renewal and vigor God offers to those who hope in Him.
The Gospel from Matthew 11:28-30 complements this message as Jesus invites all who are burdened to come to Him for rest. He offers His yoke, which, though it may seem heavy, is light and easy to bear. This invitation is a direct response to those feeling oppressed, whether by societal expectations or personal struggles, promising that in Him, they will find peace.
Together, these readings remind us that in our darkest and most challenging moments, we are not alone. Whether through God's mighty power or Jesus' gentle invitation, we are offered strength and rest. As we navigate our own struggles, let us trust in God's providence and embrace Jesus' offer, finding the courage to carry on with renewed strength and hope. In doing so, we learn to rely not on our own might but on the grace and comfort that only He can provide.