Daily Readings - Tue Dec 12 2023
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the presence of God in our lives and the joy that comes from trusting in His plan. In the first reading from Zechariah, we hear a prophetic vision of God dwelling among His people and drawing all nations into a sacred union with Him. This passage, written to a people returning from exile, offers hope and renewal, reminding us that God’s presence is not distant but intimate and transformative. In the Gospel, we witness the beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, two women who embody faith and joy in the face of God’s mysterious plan. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the blessedness of Mary and the fruit of her womb, while Mary responds with a hymn of praise, magnifying the Lord in her spirit.
These readings are deeply connected, as both point to the reality of God’s presence breaking into human history. Zechariah’s prophecy finds its fulfillment in the Gospel, where Mary, carrying the incarnate God, visits Elizabeth. The leaping of John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s womb and Elizabeth’s Spirit-filled exclamation are signs that the promised Messiah is near. Mary’s Magnificat, a song of praise, reflects her deep trust in God’s plan and her recognition of the profound humility and grace that have been bestowed upon her. Together, these readings remind us that faith is not passive but active—it involves trusting in God’s promises and rejoicing in His presence, even when the circumstances seem uncertain.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are called to cultivate the same kind of faith and joy that Mary and Elizabeth exemplify. Like Mary, we are invited to say “yes” to God’s plan, even when it seems impossible or overwhelming. Like Elizabeth, we are called to recognize the presence of God in those around us and to rejoice in the ways He is working in their lives. In a world often marked by doubt and fear, these readings challenge us to trust in God’s nearness and to live with hearts full of praise and gratitude. Let us, like Mary, magnify the Lord and allow our spirits to leap for joy in the knowledge of His love and salvation.