Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 23, 2020
First Reading: Malachi 3.1-4; 4.5-6
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.
Psalm 25
1Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.6Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.8Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.11For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.16Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.20O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Gospel: Luke 1.57-66
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.