Daily Readings - Fri Dec 03 2021
Isaiah
17Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?18And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.19The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.20For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:21That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.22Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.23But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.24They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Matthew
27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.28And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.30And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.31But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope, healing, and the transformative power of faith. The passage from Isaiah envisions a future where the oppressed and afflicted are restored, and the blind, both physically and spiritually, receive sight. This prophecy speaks to a time of redemption where God’s justice prevails, and His people are sanctified. The Gospel from Matthew illustrates this transformation through the healing of two blind men who, with unwavering faith, cry out to Jesus for mercy. Their trust is rewarded as Jesus restores their sight, embodying the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in His ministry.
Both readings emphasize the context of hope amidst adversity. Isaiah’s message was to a struggling Israel, promising renewal and justice, while Matthew’s narrative highlights Jesus as the Messiah who brings light and healing. The connection between the two lies in their focus on faith and trust in God’s plan. The blind men’s persistence and belief in Jesus mirror the faith required for spiritual healing and understanding, as foretold by Isaiah.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to trust in God’s transformative power, even in darkness. Like the blind men, we must approach God with faith, knowing He can heal and restore us. Additionally, we are called to share the Good News, spreading the light of Christ’s message, just as the healed men did. The moral lesson here is one of hope and evangelization, urging us to have faith in God’s plan and to share His love with others, bringing light into a world that often feels dark.