Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 13, 2023
First Reading: Isaiah 40.25-31
25To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.26Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.27Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?28Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.9He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.10He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.14For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.15As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.16For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;18To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.19The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.20Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.21Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.22Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Gospel: Matthew 11.28-30
Sermon
In today's readings, we find a powerful message of hope and comfort. The first reading from Isaiah 40:25-31 reminds us of God's incomparable power and His unwavering support for the weary. Isaiah reassures the Israelites, exiled and disheartened, that God, the creator of the universe, does not grow tired and is always a source of strength for those who trust in Him. The imagery of soaring like eagles symbolizes the renewal and vigor God offers to those who hope in Him.
The Gospel from Matthew 11:28-30 complements this message as Jesus invites all who are burdened to come to Him for rest. He offers His yoke, which, though it may seem heavy, is light and easy to bear. This invitation is a direct response to those feeling oppressed, whether by societal expectations or personal struggles, promising that in Him, they will find peace.
Together, these readings remind us that in our darkest and most challenging moments, we are not alone. Whether through God's mighty power or Jesus' gentle invitation, we are offered strength and rest. As we navigate our own struggles, let us trust in God's providence and embrace Jesus' offer, finding the courage to carry on with renewed strength and hope. In doing so, we learn to rely not on our own might but on the grace and comfort that only He can provide.