Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 3, 2020
First Reading: Isaiah 26.1-6
1In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.2Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:5For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.6The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.
Psalm 118
1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.2Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.3Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.4Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.5I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?7The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.8It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.9It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.10All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.11They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.12They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.13Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.14The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.15The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.16The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.17I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.18The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.19Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:20This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.21I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.22The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.23This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.24This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.25Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.26Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.27God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.28Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.29O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Gospel: Matthew 7.21, 24-27
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of trust and action in our spiritual journey. The prophet Isaiah offers a message of hope to Judah, urging trust in God amidst turmoil. He describes a strong city, Zion, as a symbol of God's protection, where the just and truthful enter. Isaiah emphasizes that true strength comes from trusting in the Lord, who brings low the proud and exalts the humble. This trust is not passive but active, leading to a life of peace and hope.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that merely calling Him Lord is insufficient for entering the kingdom of heaven; one must act on His words. His parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates this point. The wise builder, who acts on Jesus' teachings, builds on a rock, symbolizing a strong spiritual foundation. The foolish builder, who hears but does not act, builds on sand, leading to ruin. This parable underscores the necessity of living out our faith through obedience and action.
Together, these readings stress that true faith is demonstrated through trust and action. Trusting God, as Isaiah suggests, must translate into living according to His will. Like the wise builder, our actions should reflect our faith, building a strong spiritual foundation. This teaches us that faith without works is incomplete. As we navigate life's challenges, let us remember that trusting God and acting on His teachings will provide the stability needed to overcome them.