Daily Readings - Mon Nov 28 2022
Isaiah
2In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.3And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:4When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.5And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.6And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
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
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the themes of trust in God’s providence and the universality of His kingdom. In the first reading from Isaiah, we are presented with a vision of a restored Zion, where God’s people are purified and protected under His tabernacle. This passage, written during a time of impending judgment for Israel, offers a message of hope and future restoration. Isaiah emphasizes that God will wash away the sins of His people and provide a place of refuge, symbolizing His eternal care and protection.
In the Gospel, Matthew recounts the story of the centurion who approaches Jesus with humility and unwavering faith. The centurion, recognizing his unworthiness, trusts that Jesus’ word alone can heal his servant. Jesus, marveling at this faith, not only heals the servant but also declares that many from the east and west will join the patriarchs in the kingdom of heaven. This narrative underscores the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan, highlighting that faith transcends boundaries and is the key to entering the kingdom.
These readings connect through the theme of trust in God’s plan. Isaiah’s vision encourages us to trust in God’s future promises, while the centurion’s faith demonstrates trust in God’s immediate providence. Together, they remind us to have faith in God’s timing and to embrace the inclusivity of His kingdom. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even in uncertainty, and to approach Him with humility. Let us, like the centurion, open our hearts to God’s grace, recognizing that His kingdom is open to all who have faith. May we find shelter under His tabernacle and trust in His promise of eternal refuge.