Daily Readings - Tue Dec 11 2018
Isaiah
1Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.2Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.3The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.4Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.6The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:7The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.8The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.9O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!10Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Matthew
12How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?13And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.14Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Sermon
In today's readings, we find a profound message of comfort and redemption. The first reading from Isaiah offers a vision of hope and renewal, urging the people to prepare for the Lord's coming. It speaks of a time when every valley will be lifted and every mountain lowered, symbolizing the removal of obstacles that hinder our path to God. The prophet calls us to be heralds of good news, much like John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Lord. This passage reminds us that despite the fleeting nature of human life, God's Word endures forever, a constant source of strength and guidance.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this message with the parable of the shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one that is lost. This story highlights God's deep care for each individual, especially the vulnerable. It illustrates the joy and love God feels when the lost are found, emphasizing that it is not His will for any to perish. This parable invites us to reflect on our own role in seeking the lost, whether in our communities or personal relationships, and to embody the compassion of the shepherd.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to live out their message in our daily lives. Just as Isaiah and the shepherd demonstrate, we are to be instruments of God's love and redemption. Let us strive to create paths for others to encounter God, whether through acts of kindness, listening ears, or open hearts. May we find joy in bringing others closer to Him, just as He finds joy in our return. In a world that often feels lost, may we be beacons of hope, reflecting God's enduring love and care for all.