Daily Readings - Tue Mar 19 2019
2 Samuel
4And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,5Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?12And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.13He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.14I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:16And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
Romans
13For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.16Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,17As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.18Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.22And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Gospel - Matthew 1.16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2.41-51a
Matthew
16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
Luke
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust, faith, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. In the first reading from 2 Samuel, Nathan delivers a message from God to David, promising that David’s dynasty will endure forever and that his son will build a house for the Lord. This passage is rooted in the context of David’s desire to build a temple for God, but God instead reverses the offer, promising to establish David’s throne and family line permanently. This is a moment of profound trust for David, as he learns to surrender his plans to God’s greater design.
The second reading from Romans deepens this theme of trust and faith. Paul explains that Abraham’s faith, not his adherence to the law, made him the father of many nations. Abraham trusted God’s promise even when it seemed impossible, and this trust was credited to him as righteousness. Paul emphasizes that the promise of salvation is not limited to those under the law but is extended to all who share Abraham’s faith. This reading reminds us that our relationship with God is built on trust and faith, not on our own efforts or achievements.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents Joseph as a model of trust and obedience. When Joseph learns that Mary is pregnant through the Holy Spirit, he is initially confused and hesitant. However, when an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, explaining that the child is the fulfillment of God’s plan, Joseph trustingly obeys. He takes Mary as his wife and becomes a faithful guardian of Jesus. Joseph’s story teaches us that trust in God’s plan, even in uncertain and challenging circumstances, leads to participation in God’s work of salvation.
These readings call us to reflect on our own trust in God’s promises. Like David, we may have plans and aspirations, but we must learn to surrender them to God’s will. Like Abraham, we are invited to trust in God’s promises even when they seem impossible. And like Joseph, we are called to obey God’s will, even when it requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Trusting in God’s plan allows us to participate in His work of salvation, not just for ourselves, but for the world. May we, like these biblical figures, grow in faith and trust, knowing that God’s promises are always fulfilled in His time and in His way.