Daily Readings - Mon Jan 09 2023
First Reading - Isaiah 42.1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10.34-38
Isaiah
1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.2He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.3A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.4He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.6I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
Acts
34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)37That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Matthew
13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of justice, humility, and the gentle yet profound way God works in the world. In the first reading from Isaiah, we encounter a prophecy about a servant of the Lord who will bring justice to the nations not through force or noise, but through gentleness and compassion. This servant, chosen and upheld by God, will be a light to the Gentiles and will free those trapped in darkness. The passage emphasizes that true justice is not about power or dominance but about healing the broken and upholding the vulnerable.
In the Gospel, we see this prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist reveals a profound moment of humility and obedience. Despite John’s hesitation, Jesus insists on being baptized, saying it is necessary to “fulfill all justice.” This act of humility is met with a divine affirmation: the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares Jesus to be His beloved Son. This moment is not just about Jesus; it is about God’s way of working in the world—through self-giving love and humility rather than through might or coercion.
These readings remind us that our Christian life is not about seeking power or recognition but about living with humility, compassion, and gentleness. Just as Jesus fulfilled justice by being baptized, we are called to fulfill justice by living out our faith in ways that uplift others and bring light to those in darkness. Let us ask ourselves: How can we, like the servant in Isaiah and like Jesus, be instruments of God’s healing and justice in our daily lives? May we trust in God’s plan and allow the Spirit to guide us in living with humility, love, and courage.