Daily Readings - Tue Dec 13 2022
Zephaniah
1Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!2She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.9For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.10From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.11In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.12I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.13The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Matthew
28But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.31Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.32For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about repentance, obedience, and the true nature of our relationship with God. The prophet Zephaniah addresses a rebellious city, urging its people to turn back to the Lord. Despite their initial defiance, God promises restoration, vowing to remove the arrogant and bring in the humble who seek Him. This message of hope is tempered by a call to sincerity, as Zephaniah emphasizes that true faith is not about words but about a changed life.
In the Gospel, Jesus presents a parable of two sons, highlighting the contrast between intention and action. The first son, though initially resistant, ultimately obeys, while the second agrees but does not follow through. Jesus uses this to illustrate that those often considered outsiders—tax collectors and prostitutes—enter the kingdom before the self-righteous, because they humbly repent. This challenges us to examine our own commitments and actions, reminding us that faith is not just about what we say, but what we do.
These readings remind us that true faith requires humility and action. We are called to move beyond mere words to a life transformed by repentance. In our daily lives, let us reflect on our commitments, ensuring that our actions align with our beliefs. May we embrace the humility to repent and the courage to live out our faith, trusting in God's promise of restoration and renewal.