Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 6, 2018
First Reading: Isaiah 26.1-6
1In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.2Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:5For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.6The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.
Psalm 118
1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.2Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.3Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.4Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.5I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?7The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.8It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.9It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.10All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.11They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.12They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.13Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.14The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.15The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.16The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.17I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.18The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.19Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:20This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.21I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.22The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.23This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.24This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.25Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.26Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.27God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.28Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.29O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Gospel: Matthew 7.21, 24-27
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust, fidelity, and the sure foundation of God’s promises. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a canticle of hope and trust in the Lord. The prophet describes a city of strength, Zion, where the just and the faithful enter through the gates. He reminds us that true peace comes from hoping in God and trusting in His eternal providence. The passage also warns against pride and arrogance, as the lofty city will be brought low, while the poor and the humble will find their footing on the solid ground of God’s justice.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the importance of living out our faith in action. He warns that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. Jesus then uses the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate this point. The wise builder, who hears His words and acts on them, constructs his house on the rock, and it stands firm against the storms of life. The foolish builder, who hears but does not act, builds on sand, and his house collapses. This parable reminds us that our faith must be rooted in action, not just words.
These readings call us to examine our lives and ensure that we are building our spiritual houses on the rock of God’s word. Like the just and faithful in Isaiah, we must trust in the Lord and live according to His will. Like the wise builder in Matthew, we must hear God’s word and put it into practice. In a world filled with uncertainties, let us turn to the Lord, who is our strength and our peace. Let us strive to live humbly, trusting in His providence and building our lives on the solid foundation of His teachings. In doing so, we will find true peace and stability, even in the midst of life’s storms.