Daily Readings - Mon Sep 08 2025
First Reading - Romans 8.28-30 or Micah 5.2-5a
Romans
28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Micah
2But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.3Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel.4And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.5And he shall be their peace.When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men;
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).
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound mystery of God’s providence and the call to trust in His plan. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that for those who love God, all things work together for good. This is not a simplistic promise that life will always be easy or that suffering will never come, but rather a deep assurance that even in the midst of challenges, God is at work, shaping us into the image of His Son. The Apostle emphasizes the connection between being called, justified, and glorified—each step a part of God’s unfolding plan for our salvation.
In the Gospel, we encounter the quiet faith of St. Joseph, a man faced with a situation that could have led to fear, confusion, or even anger. Instead, Joseph chooses to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unexpected and unconventional. The Angel reassures him, “Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home,” and Joseph obeys, becoming a key figure in the story of salvation. This passage reminds us that God often works in ways we do not fully understand, but our task is to listen, trust, and respond with obedience.
Both readings call us to embrace a spirit of trust and surrender in our daily lives. Like Joseph, we may face moments of uncertainty or difficulty, but we are invited to see these as opportunities to deepen our faith. St. Paul’s words encourage us to view life’s challenges through the lens of God’s providence, knowing that He is always working for our good. Let us strive to imitate Joseph’s quiet courage and trust, allowing God to guide us even when the path ahead seems unclear. In doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace, and we become instruments of His plan in the world.