Daily Readings - Sun Jan 07 2018
First Reading - Isaiah 60.1-6
Isaiah
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.
Second Reading - Ephesians 3.2-3a, 5-6
Ephesians
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Gospel - Matthew 2.1-12
Matthew
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Sermon
The readings today weave together a narrative of light, prophecy, and inclusion, inviting us to reflect on God's universal plan. Isaiah's prophecy in the first reading paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem illuminated by God's glory, attracting nations to its light. This vision is fulfilled in the Gospel as the Magi, Gentile wise men, follow a star to Bethlehem, recognizing Jesus as the King. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize homage to a ruler, highlighting Jesus' universal sovereignty. Paul's letter to the Ephesians bridges these narratives, explaining that the Gospel reveals the mystery of Gentiles as co-heirs with Jews in Christ, emphasizing unity and the body of Christ.
The context of these readings reveals a divine plan where light transcends borders. Isaiah's words, spoken to a people in exile, offer hope of restoration and universal recognition of God's presence. The Magi's journey from the East embodies this hope, as they seek the Messiah guided by a star. Paul's epistle underscores that this inclusion was part of God's plan, revealed through the Gospel, breaking down walls between Jews and Gentiles.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to embrace our role as bearers of God's light. Just as the Magi were open to guidance from a star, we must remain open to the Holy Spirit's leading. We are to welcome others into our communities, reflecting the unity Christ established. The moral lesson is clear: God's plan is one of inclusion and light for all nations. As we navigate our world, may we, like the Magi, seek Jesus with reverence and generosity, living as agents of unity and light in a diverse world.