Daily Readings - Tue Feb 20 2018
First Reading - Isaiah 55.10-11
Isaiah
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Gospel - Matthew 6.7-15
Matthew
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the power of God's word and the simplicity of prayer. The first reading from Isaiah reminds us that just as rain and snow bring life to the earth, God's word is effective and accomplishes its purpose. It does not return empty but brings forth life and nourishment. This passage emphasizes the reliability and fruitfulness of God's word in our lives. The Gospel from Matthew offers us the Lord's Prayer, a model of simplicity and depth. Jesus teaches us that prayer is not about many words but about sincerity and trust in God, who already knows our needs. He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the alignment of our will with God's will.
The context of Isaiah's prophecy is one of hope and restoration. Isaiah is addressing a people who have experienced exile and are longing for renewal. His words assure them that God's word is trustworthy and will bring about new life. In Matthew, Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray in a way that reflects a deep relationship with God as Father. He warns against the superficiality of merely reciting words, as seen in the practices of the pagans, and instead calls for authenticity and humility in prayer.
Both readings highlight the theme of trust in God's providence. Isaiah shows us that God's word is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Matthew teaches us that prayer is not about convincing God but about surrendering to His will and seeking His kingdom. These readings remind us that our relationship with God is rooted in faith and trust, not in our own efforts or words.
In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by trusting in God's plan and seeking to align our will with His. We are called to pray with sincerity, not relying on empty words but on the assurance that God hears us. Forgiveness, as emphasized in the Lord's Prayer, is also a key aspect of living out our faith. Let us reflect on whether our prayers are heartfelt and whether we are living in accordance with God's will. May we find comfort in the knowledge that God's word is always at work, even in the quiet and unseen moments of our lives.