Daily Readings - Sun Dec 15 2019
Isaiah
1The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.2It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.3Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.4Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.6Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.10And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
James
7Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.8Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.10Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
Matthew
2Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,3And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?4Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:5The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.6And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.7And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.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.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter a harmonious blend of prophecy, encouragement, and revelation, each guiding us toward a deeper understanding of faith and patience. The first reading from Isaiah 35 paints a vivid picture of a restored world where the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame leap, symbolizing the messianic era of salvation. This prophecy, born from a time of exile and despair, offers hope of a future where God's glory will be fully revealed.
In the second reading, James 5, we are urged to embrace patience amidst trials, much like a farmer awaiting harvest. James reminds us that our struggles are temporary and that the Lord's coming is imminent. This call to patience is not about passive waiting but about active trust in God's timing, drawing strength from the examples of the prophets who endured hardships with perseverance.
The Gospel from Matthew 11 brings these themes together as John the Baptist, in prison, questions Jesus's identity. Jesus responds by pointing to the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies through His miracles, confirming His role as the Messiah. He then praises John, highlighting his greatness yet noting that even the least in the kingdom surpasses him, emphasizing the transformative power of faith.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's plan, especially during uncertain times. Just as Isaiah foresaw restoration and James encouraged patience, we too can find strength in knowing that our trials are temporary. Let us embrace patience, trusting that God's promises will unfold in His time. Recognizing ourselves as part of God's kingdom, may we live with the assurance that even the smallest among us is great in His eyes.