Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 4, 2020
First Reading: Isaiah 29.17-24
17Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?18And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.19The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.20For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:21That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.22Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.23But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.24They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Gospel: Matthew 9.27-31
27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.28And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.30And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.31But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful themes of hope, healing, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where the marginalized and oppressed are uplifted, and the blind, both physically and spiritually, gain sight. Isaiah speaks to a people in exile, offering them a vision of redemption and restoration. He assures them that God’s plan is unfolding, even in the midst of darkness, and that one day the meek will rejoice and the poor will exult in the Holy One of Israel. This passage reminds us that God’s justice and mercy are always at work, even when they seem distant.
The Gospel reading from Matthew brings this vision of restoration to life in a concrete way. Jesus, the Son of David, encounters two blind men who cry out for his mercy. When he asks them if they trust in his ability to heal, they respond with unwavering faith, “Certainly, Lord.” Their trust is rewarded as Jesus touches their eyes, restoring their sight. Yet, despite his instruction to keep the miracle quiet, the men spread the news far and wide. This story highlights the connection between faith and healing, as well as the irresistible urge to share the Good News with others.
These readings remind us that faith is not just about believing in something we cannot see; it is about trusting in God’s plan, even when the path ahead is unclear. Like the blind men, we are called to approach God with humility and trust, knowing that he desires to bring light and healing into our lives. At the same time, we are reminded that once we have experienced God’s grace, we cannot keep it to ourselves. We are called to share the joy and hope we have found with others, even when it may seem inconvenient or challenging. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s plan and to be bold in sharing his love with a world in need.