Daily Readings - Sat Dec 23 2017
First Reading - Malachi 3.1-4; 4.5-6
Malachi
1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.4Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
Gospel - Luke 1.57-66
Luke
57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.59And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.63And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on purification, obedience, and the transformative power of God's will in our lives. In Malachi, we hear of a messenger who will refine and purify the people, preparing them for the Lord's arrival. This messenger, Elijah, is to restore harmony between generations, emphasizing the importance of right relationships and a humble heart. The Gospel then presents John the Baptist, whose birth signifies a new beginning. His naming, despite family traditions, highlights Zechariah and Elizabeth's obedience to God's plan, illustrating how surrendering to divine will can lead to profound spiritual renewal.
These readings connect through themes of preparation and transformation. Malachi sets the stage for a purifying messenger, while Luke shows John as the fulfillment of this prophecy, preparing the way for Jesus. Both emphasize the need for openness to God's plan and the importance of right relationships, whether within families or communities.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to embrace purification and obedience. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to clear our hearts and minds to receive God's grace. By fostering harmonious relationships and remaining open to God's will, we participate in His transformative work. Let us seek to be refined by God, allowing His light to shine through us, guiding others as John did, and trusting in His plan for our lives.