Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 18, 2021
First Reading: Jeremiah 23.5-8
5Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.7Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;8But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.
Psalm 72
1Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.2He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.3The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.4He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.5They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.6He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.7In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.8He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.9They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.11Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.12For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.13He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.14He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.15And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.16There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.17His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.19And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.20The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
Gospel: Matthew 1.18-24
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages of hope and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Jeremiah 23:5-8 speaks of a future king from David's line who will bring justice and security to God's people. This righteous leader will shift the focus from past deliverances, like the Exodus, to a new era where God's people dwell securely in their own land. The Gospel reading from Matthew 1:18-24 presents Joseph, a man of justice and compassion, who trusts God's message through an angel. He accepts Mary as his wife, recognizing the divine plan, and thus Jesus, Emmanuel, is born—God with us.
Jeremiah's prophecy is set during the Babylonian exile, a time of despair, offering hope for a future king who embodies justice and wisdom. Matthew's narrative introduces Joseph, a figure of obedience and trust, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth. The connection between the readings lies in the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy in Jesus, who is the righteous branch bringing salvation and embodying God's presence among us.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's plan, even when unexpected, just as Joseph did. They remind us to hope in God's justice and presence. As we navigate life's challenges, let us recognize Emmanuel, God with us, and live with the confidence that comes from His presence. May we, like Joseph, embrace God's will with obedience and trust, finding strength in His enduring plan.