Daily Readings - Tue Dec 15 2020
Zephaniah
1Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!2She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.9For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.10From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.11In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.12I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.13The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Matthew
28But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.31Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.32For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of repentance, humility, and the importance of living out our faith in sincerity. In the first reading from Zephaniah, we hear a prophetic call to the people of Jerusalem, who have become complacent and rebellious. Zephaniah warns them of the consequences of their pride and lack of trust in God, but he also offers a message of hope: a remnant of humble and faithful people will be restored and will live in peace, trusting in the Lord. This passage reminds us that God’s justice is not about punishment but about purification and renewal.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons, challenging the chief priests and Pharisees to examine their own hypocrisy. The first son initially refuses his father’s request but later repents and obeys, while the second son agrees eagerly but fails to follow through. Jesus uses this story to critique the religious leaders who claimed to be faithful but did not live out their faith in action. He then contrasts them with tax collectors and prostitutes, who, despite their sinfulness, were able to recognize their need for repentance and turn to God. This parable emphasizes that it is not words or appearances that matter, but the sincerity of our hearts and our willingness to act in accordance with God’s will.
These readings call us to reflect on our own lives. How often do we, like the Pharisees, present ourselves as righteous on the outside while neglecting to live out our faith in humility and love? How often do we, like the first son, resist God’s call but later repent and follow Him? The good news is that God is always ready to welcome us back, to restore us, and to give us new life. Let us ask ourselves today: Are we living as humble and faithful servants of the Lord, or are we caught up in our own pride and complacency? May we learn to trust in God’s mercy and to follow Him with sincerity, so that we may truly bear fruit in our lives.