Daily Readings - Sun Jan 07 2024
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 themes of light, revelation, and the universal embrace of God's plan. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem as a beacon of light, where nations gather, bringing gifts and glory. This prophecy speaks to a time of restoration and hope, where God's light transcends borders, inviting all to partake in His radiance. Ephesians unfolds this mystery further, revealing that the Gospel was always intended for the Gentiles, making them co-heirs with the Jews in God's promise. This epistle emphasizes the unity and inclusion that Christ brings, breaking down walls between peoples. In Matthew, we see this prophecy and mystery fulfilled as the Magi, representing the Gentiles, follow the star to Bethlehem, bearing gifts for the newborn King. Their journey symbolizes the universal call to recognize and adore Christ, despite the darkness of Herod's opposition.
These readings are deeply interconnected, each shedding light on the others. Isaiah's vision of nations streaming to Jerusalem finds its fulfillment in the Magi's visit, while Ephesians explains the theological underpinning of this inclusion. Together, they reveal God's plan for a world united in His light. The Magi's trust in the star and their perseverance despite obstacles remind us to trust in God's guidance and to seek Him with openness and faith. Their encounter with Herod also warns us of the dangers of pride and the desire for power, urging us to approach God with humility and reverence.
In our daily lives, we are called to be like the Magi, seeking God with open hearts and minds. We are invited to embrace the diversity of God's family, recognizing that His plan includes people from all walks of life. Let us, like the Magi, bring our own gifts—our talents, resources, and love—to worship and serve Him. May we also learn to trust in God's providence, even when the path is uncertain, and to avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance. As we reflect on these readings, may we be illuminated by God's light and guided by His star, leading us ever closer to Him and to one another.