Daily Readings - Mon Mar 15 2021
Isaiah
17For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.18But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.19And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.20There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.21And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
John
43Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.45Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.46So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.47When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.52Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.53So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.54This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.
Sermon
The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where God creates new heavens and a new earth, a place where sorrow and pain are no more. This vision of eternal joy and peace is a promise of hope for God’s people, reminding us that our current struggles are not the end of the story. The Gospel continues this theme of hope as Jesus, through his divine power, heals the son of a royal official. Despite initial doubts, the official’s faith in Jesus leads to a miraculous restoration of life, showcasing the transformative power of trust in God.
Both readings highlight the importance of faith and hope in our relationship with God. Isaiah’s prophecy encourages us to look beyond our present sufferings and trust in God’s promise of eternal joy. Similarly, the Gospel story reminds us that even when we face uncertainty or doubt, placing our trust in Jesus can lead to unexpected blessings. The official’s plea for his son’s healing demonstrates how faith, even in its simplest form, can move God to act in profound ways.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own faith and trust in God. When we face challenges or uncertainties, we are called to hold onto hope, just as Isaiah envisioned, and to trust in God’s plan, just as the royal official did. Jesus’ miracles and teachings remind us that God is always at work, even when we cannot see it immediately. Let us strive to deepen our faith, trusting that God’s promises are true and that He will bring us to a place of eternal joy and peace.