Daily Readings - Mon Mar 12 2018
First Reading - Isaiah 65.17-21
Isaiah
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
Gospel - John 4.43-54
John
Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope, faith, and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where sorrow and pain are erased, replaced by joy and eternal life. This vision is a beacon of hope for the Israelites, promising a utopian future after their trials. The Gospel from John tells the story of a royal official who, desperate for his son's healing, trusts in Jesus' word despite the distance and uncertainty. This miracle not only showcases Jesus' divine authority but also highlights the transformative power of faith.
Both readings beautifully intertwine, emphasizing the theme of trust in God's promises. Isaiah's vision calls us to trust in God's future plan, even when our current circumstances are challenging. Similarly, the royal official's story illustrates the immediate rewards of trusting Jesus' word, even when faced with doubt. These narratives remind us that faith is not about seeing immediate results but about believing in God's goodness and timing.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace hope and trust. When we face difficulties, we can find comfort in knowing that God is weaving a greater plan. Like the royal official, we are called to trust God's word, even when the outcome is uncertain. Let us hold onto this hope and faith, allowing them to guide us through life's challenges, knowing that God's promises are always for our good. The moral lesson here is clear: faith and trust in God's plan lead us to experience His grace and salvation.