Daily Readings - Thu Dec 13 2018
Isaiah
13For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.15Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.16Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.17When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.18I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.19I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:20That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.
Matthew
11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope, transformation, and the nature of God's kingdom. The first reading from Isaiah offers a comforting promise from God to His people, reassuring them not to fear as He is their helper and Redeemer. Using vivid imagery, Isaiah describes God's transformative power, turning deserts into fruitful lands, symbolizing His ability to bring life and abundance where there was once barrenness. This passage speaks to God's faithfulness and the hope of restoration, likely directed to the Israelites during a time of hardship or exile.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus' words about John the Baptist, who is hailed as the greatest among those born of women. Yet, Jesus emphasizes that even the least in the kingdom is greater, highlighting the challenges and opposition faced in spreading the kingdom's message. This passage underscores the prophetic role of John, linking him to Elijah, and reminds us of the kingdom's enduring nature despite the violence it faces.
Both readings remind us of God's transformative power and the courage needed to trust in His plan. Isaiah's vision of a renewed land and Jesus' reflection on the kingdom encourage us to face life's struggles with faith, knowing God's power can bring forth new life. Let us embrace this hope, trusting in God's providence and recognizing His transformative work in our lives, even amidst adversity.