Daily Readings - Mon Dec 18 2017
First Reading - Jeremiah 23.5-8
Jeremiah
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.
Gospel - Matthew 1.18-24
Matthew
Now 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.Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.But 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.And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,Behold, 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.Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages of hope and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Jeremiah 23:5-8 speaks of a future king from David's line who will reign with wisdom and justice, bringing salvation to Judah and Israel. This prophecy shifts the focus from past glories, like the exodus, to a future restoration where God's people will live in security. The Gospel, Matthew 1:18-24, narrates Joseph's obedience and trust when faced with Mary's miraculous conception. An angel assures him, fulfilling the prophecy of Emmanuel, meaning "God is with us."
These readings are set against the backdrop of exile and the dawn of the Messiah. Jeremiah's prophecy, spoken during the Babylonian exile, offers hope to a despairing people, promising a righteous leader. Matthew's narrative introduces Joseph, a man of justice and compassion, who embodies trust in God's plan despite uncertainty. Both readings intertwine, showing how Jeremiah's prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, Emmanuel, who is God's presence among us.
In our lives, these readings invite us to trust God's plan, especially in unexpected circumstances. Like Joseph, we are called to embrace God's will with courage. The name Emmanuel reminds us that God is ever-present, offering comfort and guidance. May we, like the people in Jeremiah's time, look forward with hope, knowing God's justice and peace will prevail. Let us cultivate trust and recognize God's abiding presence, transforming our challenges into opportunities for faith and growth.