Daily Readings - Sun Dec 17 2017
First Reading - Isaiah 61.1-2a, 10-11
Isaiah
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.11For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Second Reading - 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24
1 Thessalonians
16Rejoice evermore.17Pray without ceasing.18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.19Quench not the Spirit.20Despise not prophesyings.21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.22Abstain from all appearance of evil.23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Gospel - John 1.6-8, 19-28
John
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.19And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.22Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.24And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope, joy, and witness. The first reading from Isaiah describes a figure anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to the oppressed and heal the brokenhearted. This figure is clothed in salvation and justice, symbolizing the joy and celebration of God's redemption. The second reading from Thessalonians encourages believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance, trusting in God's faithfulness. The Gospel presents John the Baptist, who humbly testifies to the Light, preparing the way for the Messiah and baptizing with water, while acknowledging the greater one who is to come.
These readings are set against the backdrop of hope and preparation. Isaiah's prophecy likely occurs during a period of exile or oppression, offering comfort to those awaiting deliverance. Thessalonians addresses early Christians, urging them to maintain a joyful and thankful spirit amidst challenges. John the Baptist's testimony in the Gospel clarifies his role as a precursor to Jesus, emphasizing his humility and focus on the true Messiah. Together, these readings form a narrative arc from the promise of salvation in Isaiah, through the preparatory role of John the Baptist, to the exhortation to live joyfully in the Spirit.
In our daily lives, these readings inspire us to embrace joy and hope, trusting in God's faithfulness. Like John the Baptist, we are called to be witnesses, pointing others to Christ. Our lives should reflect the salvation we have received, living with gratitude and prayer. The moral lesson is clear: we are to live with joy, hope, and trust, preparing the way for others to encounter Christ, just as John did. Let us strive to embody this message, allowing God's love and redemption to shine through us.