Daily Readings - Fri Sep 08 2017
First Reading - Romans 8.28-30
Romans
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Gospel - Matthew 1.18-23
Matthew
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound expressions of God’s providence and the call to trust in His plan. The first reading from Romans reminds us that for those who love God, all things work together for good. St. Paul assures us that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of God’s Son, called, justified, and ultimately glorified. This passage invites us to see our lives as part of a larger divine plan, where even the challenges we face are opportunities for growth in holiness. The Gospel, from Matthew, presents us with the story of Joseph, a just and faithful man who is called to trust in God’s plan despite the unexpected and challenging circumstances of Mary’s pregnancy. Through Joseph’s example, we see the importance of humility, obedience, and trust in God’s providence.
Both readings emphasize the theme of trust in God’s plan. In Romans, this trust is rooted in the theological truth of our predestination to share in the glory of Christ. In Matthew, it is lived out in the concrete circumstances of Joseph’s life. Just as Joseph was called to accept Mary as his wife and to care for the Son of God, we too are called to embrace our own vocations and to trust that God is at work in our lives, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. The readings remind us that our lives are not mere coincidences but are part of a divine plan that unfolds in ways we may not always understand.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Do we truly trust that God is working all things for our good? Are we open to embracing the unexpected challenges and opportunities that come our way? Like Joseph, we are called to be faithful and obedient, even when the road ahead seems difficult. May we, like him, trust in God’s providence and allow ourselves to be instruments of His plan. In doing so, we will find peace in the midst of uncertainty and fulfill our own unique role in the story of salvation.