Daily Readings - Wed Dec 11 2019
Isaiah
25To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.26Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.27Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?28Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and comfort from both Isaiah and Matthew. The first reading from Isaiah speaks to a people in exile, weary and feeling abandoned. Isaiah reminds them of God's immense power and care, urging them to trust in His strength. He highlights that God, who creates and sustains all things, does not grow weary and is always present to renew their energy. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus offering rest to those burdened, inviting them to take on His yoke, which is light and easy. Jesus emphasizes His meekness and humility, promising that those who come to Him will find the rest their souls desire.
Both readings, though separated by time, share a common theme of divine comfort and strength. Isaiah focuses on God's might, while Jesus offers a personal, gentle invitation. Together, they remind us that our faith is both awe-inspiring and intimately personal. In our lives, we often feel overwhelmed, much like the Israelites in exile or the people Jesus addressed. These passages encourage us to seek God's strength and find rest in Jesus, balancing trust in divine power with a personal relationship with Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us remember that true strength comes from humility and trust in God. In a world that often values self-reliance, we are called to acknowledge our limitations and seek divine assistance. By trusting in God and finding rest in Jesus, we can face life's challenges with renewed vigor and hope. Let us embrace this invitation to humility and trust, allowing God to carry our burdens and guide us on our journey.