Daily Readings - Mon Nov 29 2021
Isaiah
1The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.2And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.4And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.5O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Matthew
5And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.7And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.11And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.13And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith and the universal call to peace and unity. In the first reading, Isaiah paints a vision of a future where all nations stream to the mountain of the Lord, seeking his ways and walking in his paths. This is a time when swords are beaten into plowshares and war is no more. It is a vision of peace, harmony, and unity among all peoples. Isaiah speaks these words to a Judah facing political turmoil and the threat of foreign invasion, offering hope that God’s plan for humanity is one of ultimate peace and reconciliation. The reading reminds us that God’s ways are not limited to one people or place but are meant for all nations.
In the Gospel, we encounter a Roman centurion, a man of authority and power, who humbles himself before Jesus. Despite his status, he recognizes his unworthiness and trusts completely in Jesus’ power to heal his servant. His faith is remarkable because he understands the chain of command and believes that Jesus’ word alone is sufficient to bring healing. Jesus, in turn, praises the centurion’s faith and grants the healing. This story highlights the universality of God’s grace and the importance of humility and trust in our relationship with God. Like the centurion, we are called to approach God with faith, recognizing our limitations and relying on his providence.
These readings are connected by the theme of faith and trust in God’s plan. Isaiah’s vision of universal peace is fulfilled in part through the healing power of Jesus, who extends his grace to all people, regardless of their background. For us today, these readings invite us to trust in God’s plan for our lives and for the world. Like the centurion, we may face challenges and uncertainties, but we can approach God with humility and faith, knowing that his word has the power to bring healing and transformation. Let us strive to live as instruments of peace and to share the universal message of God’s love with all people.