Daily Readings - Sun Dec 03 2023
Isaiah
16Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.17O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.
1Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,3When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.4For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.5Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.7And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.8But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
1 Corinthians
3Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;5That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;6Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:7So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:8Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Mark
33Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.34For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.35Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:36Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.37And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with themes of longing, grace, and vigilance. The First Reading from Isaiah expresses the Israelites' sense of abandonment and their plea for God's return, reflecting on their sins and yearning for His presence. The Second Reading from 1 Corinthians offers a message of thanksgiving and reassurance, highlighting the grace and strength provided through Christ, and the faithfulness of God. The Gospel from Mark calls us to vigilance and prayer, urging us to stay alert for the Lord's return, much like a watchful doorkeeper.
The context of these readings reveals deeper connections. Isaiah's plea is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, where the Israelites grapple with their sins and separation from God. Paul's letter to the Corinthians is a pastoral encouragement, reinforcing their faith and the assurance of God's grace. Mark's Gospel, part of the Olivet Discourse, prepares the disciples for Jesus' departure and the challenges ahead. Together, these readings weave a narrative of trust in God's faithfulness amidst trials.
Applying these teachings to daily life, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual life through prayer and vigilance. Just as the doorkeeper in Mark's Gospel is to stay watchful, we should remain attentive to God's presence and guidance. Recognizing our own shortcomings, as in Isaiah, encourages us to seek forgiveness and renewal. The moral lesson here is one of trust and grace—despite our weaknesses, God remains faithful, providing the strength we need. We are called to stay alert and prayerful, trusting in God's plan and grace.