Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 14, 2022
First Reading: Isaiah 45.6b-8, 18, 21b-25
6That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.8Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.18For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.21Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.24Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.25In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Psalm 85
1LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.2Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.3Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.4Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.5Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?6Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?7Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.8I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.9Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.10Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.11Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.12Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.13Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
Gospel: Luke 7.19-23
19And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?20When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?21And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.23And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. The passage from Isaiah emphasizes God's uniqueness as the creator and savior, urging all ends of the earth to turn to Him. It reassures us of His presence and plan, especially during times of uncertainty. The Gospel from Luke presents a moment of doubt from John the Baptist, who, despite his imprisonment and questioning, receives affirmation through Jesus' miracles, which fulfill the prophecies of old.
These readings connect in their themes of trust and fulfillment. Isaiah's words, spoken during Israel's exile, remind us of God's enduring presence and plan. Luke's narrative shows Jesus affirming His identity through His works, reinforcing faith amidst doubt. Together, they call us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when our circumstances are challenging.
In our daily lives, let us recognize God's presence in our struggles and trust His plan. As we navigate uncertainties, may we look for signs of His work around us. Let us draw strength from the knowledge that God's promises are fulfilled in His time, and may we remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in His providence and love.