Daily Readings - Mon Dec 23 2019
Malachi
1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.4Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
Luke
57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.59And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.63And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of preparation, purification, and the fulfillment of God’s plan. In the first reading from Malachi, we hear about the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord. This messenger is none other than Elijah, the prophet, who will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and children to their fathers. Malachi emphasizes that this preparation involves purification and cleansing, much like refining fire, so that we may offer sacrifices pleasing to the Lord. The prophet’s words are a call to repentance and readiness, reminding us that God’s justice and mercy are about to be revealed in a profound way.
In the Gospel, we witness the birth of John the Baptist, the one who would fulfill Malachi’s prophecy by preparing the way for Jesus. The story of John’s naming is filled with signs and wonders—Zechariah’s silence is broken, and he proclaims the name given by God. This moment is a testament to the power of obedience and trust in God’s plan. Just as Elizabeth and Zechariah trusted in God’s mercy, we too are called to trust in His will, even when it challenges our expectations. The neighbors’ question, “What will this child be?” hints at the larger purpose John will serve, pointing us to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ.
These readings remind us that our lives are part of a larger story, one of preparation and purification. Like Elijah and John the Baptist, we are called to be instruments of God’s plan, turning hearts to Him and to one another. In our daily lives, this means being open to God’s will, seeking purification through repentance, and building relationships rooted in love and reconciliation. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we preparing our hearts for the Lord’s coming? Are we allowing God to refine us like gold and silver, so that we may shine as witnesses of His love? May we, like John the Baptist, be faithful in our mission to point others to Christ, the true Light of the world.