Daily Readings - Wed Dec 23 2020
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
In today's readings, we journey through the prophetic words of Malachi and the narrative of Luke, each offering insights into preparation and divine fulfillment. Malachi foretells the coming of a messenger who will purify and prepare the way for the Lord, using the imagery of fire to symbolize this transformation. This prophecy is fulfilled in Luke's account of John the Baptist, who embodies the spirit of Elijah, preparing the hearts of the people for the Messiah. The naming of John and the restoration of Zechariah's speech underscore the miraculous and divine nature of John's role.
The context of these readings reveals the anticipation of a savior. Malachi's prophecy, from the Old Testament, speaks to a people awaiting redemption, emphasizing the need for purification and righteousness. Luke's narrative, part of the New Testament's infancy stories, sets the stage for Jesus' arrival, highlighting John's role as the precursor who readies the people's hearts.
These readings connect through the theme of preparation and fulfillment. John, as the Elijah figure, bridges the Old and New Testaments, illustrating the continuity of God's plan. This connection invites us to reflect on our own preparation for encountering God, emphasizing the need for openness to God's will and messengers.
In our daily lives, this message calls us to purification and readiness. Just as John prepared the way, we are invited to clear our hearts and minds for God's presence. Trusting in God's plan, even when it seems unexpected, is crucial. The moral lesson here is one of preparation and trust, urging us to be open to God's transformative work in our lives, much like the refining fire described by Malachi.
May we, like John, embrace our role in preparing the way for the Lord, both in our personal journeys and in our communities, trusting in the divine plan that unfolds in our lives.