Daily Readings - Mon Dec 18 2023
Jeremiah
5"Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.6In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.'7"Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they shall no longer say, 'As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,'8but 'As the LORD lives who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.' Then they shall dwell in their own land."
Matthew
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.19And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.20But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.21She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:23"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel"(which means, God with us).24When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages of hope and trust. The first reading from Jeremiah speaks of a future leader from David's lineage, a righteous branch who will bring justice and restore Israel. This prophecy offers hope to a people in exile, promising a time when God's justice will prevail. The Gospel from Matthew tells the story of Joseph, who, despite initial uncertainty, trusts God's plan when an angel assures him that Mary's child is divine. This narrative highlights the importance of faith and obedience, even in unexpected circumstances.
These readings are intricately connected, as Jeremiah's prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The righteous branch foretold by Jeremiah is realized in Jesus, who embodies justice and salvation. Matthew's account of Joseph illustrates the human response to divine plans, showing how trust in God's promises can lead to courageous actions. Together, they remind us that our faith is rooted in a long history of God's promises and their fulfillment.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Like Joseph, we may face situations that challenge our understanding, but it is in these moments that we are called to trust in God's plan. Recognizing Jesus as Emmanuel, "God with us," we find comfort in His presence. The moral lesson here is clear: faith and trust in God's promises guide us through uncertainty, leading us to act with courage and hope.