Daily Readings - Mon Apr 01 2019
Isaiah
17For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.18But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.19And 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.20There 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.21And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
John
43Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.45Then 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.46So 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.47When 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.48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.50Jesus 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.51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.52Then 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.53So 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.54This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound visions of hope and faith. The passage from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a new heavens and a new earth, where sorrow and pain are no more. This vision is not just a distant dream but a promise of restoration and joy, reminding us that God's plan is one of ultimate peace and happiness. In contrast, the Gospel of John presents a tangible miracle: Jesus healing the official's son. This act, the second sign in Galilee, underscores Jesus' authority and the power of faith. The official's trust in Jesus' word, without needing to see the miracle firsthand, exemplifies the kind of faith we are called to embrace.
These readings, though separated by time and context, are deeply connected. Isaiah's vision of a renewed world requires trust in God's promise, much like the official's trust in Jesus' assurance. Both narratives highlight the transformative power of belief. In Isaiah, the hope of a new creation invites us to trust in God's future promises. In John, the official's faith leads to immediate healing, illustrating that faith can lead to tangible, life-changing results. Together, they remind us that faith is not passive but active, leading us to trust God even when the outcome is uncertain.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace faith with confidence. Like the official, we may face situations where we must trust God's word without seeing immediate results. Yet, this trust is precisely what leads to transformation. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to hold onto hope, knowing that God's promises are reliable. The moral lesson here is clear: faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, enabling us to live with hope and trust, even in uncertain times. Let us, therefore, cultivate this faith, trusting in God's plan and His promise of eternal life.