Daily Readings - Mon Dec 12 2022
First Reading - Zechariah 2.10-13 or Revelation 11.19a; 12.1, 3-6a, 10ab
Zechariah
10Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.11And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.12And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.13Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.
Revelation
19And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:3And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Luke
39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound moments of joy and recognition of God’s presence. The first reading from Zechariah paints a vivid picture of the Lord’s return to dwell among His people, bringing hope and unity to Jerusalem and the nations. This prophetic vision emphasizes God’s desire to be with His people, sanctifying the land and filling hearts with silent awe. The Gospel, from Luke, captures the beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, where the unborn John the Baptist leaps with joy, and Elizabeth praises Mary as the mother of the Lord. Mary’s response, the Magnificat, is a hymn of praise, acknowledging God’s greatness and mercy.
These readings, though from different times, are intricately connected. Zechariah’s prophecy speaks of a future where God’s presence is manifest, while Luke’s narrative shows this promise fulfilled in Mary carrying Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. Both readings highlight the theme of joy—Zechariah’s prophecy brings future joy, and the Visitation overflows with present joy and praise. This connection underscores the continuous thread of God’s presence and the joy it brings throughout scripture.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God’s plan and to recognize His presence around us. Just as Mary and Elizabeth supported each other in their sacred callings, we too can find joy in community and mutual encouragement. Let us embrace the joy of knowing God’s presence and live with hearts open to His will, trusting in His promises and responding with praise and gratitude.