Daily Readings - Fri Dec 02 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of faith and the fulfillment of God's promises. In the first reading from Isaiah, we glimpse a future where the world is renewed: the deaf hear, the blind see, and the meek find joy in the Lord. This vision of redemption is not just a distant hope but a present reality through God's intervention. Isaiah emphasizes that God's redemption brings understanding and learning, especially to those who have strayed, highlighting the universal reach of His grace.
In the Gospel, Matthew recounts the story of two blind men healed by Jesus. Their faith is pivotal; they trust in Jesus' power, and their sight is restored. Despite Jesus' request for silence, they spread the news, illustrating the irresistible urge to share the Good News. This miracle fulfills Isaiah's prophecy, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan.
These readings remind us to trust in God's power and to share our faith boldly. Just as the blind men trusted Jesus, we should have faith in His transformative power. Moreover, we are called to spread the Gospel, even when faced with challenges. The moral lesson here is the importance of faith and evangelization, urging us to embrace God's grace and share it with others.