Daily Readings - Mon Dec 18 2023
Jeremiah
5Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.7Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;8But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.
Matthew
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages of hope and trust. The first reading from Jeremiah speaks of a future leader from David's lineage, a righteous branch who will bring justice and restore Israel. This prophecy offers hope to a people in exile, promising a time when God's justice will prevail. The Gospel from Matthew tells the story of Joseph, who, despite initial uncertainty, trusts God's plan when an angel assures him that Mary's child is divine. This narrative highlights the importance of faith and obedience, even in unexpected circumstances.
These readings are intricately connected, as Jeremiah's prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The righteous branch foretold by Jeremiah is realized in Jesus, who embodies justice and salvation. Matthew's account of Joseph illustrates the human response to divine plans, showing how trust in God's promises can lead to courageous actions. Together, they remind us that our faith is rooted in a long history of God's promises and their fulfillment.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Like Joseph, we may face situations that challenge our understanding, but it is in these moments that we are called to trust in God's plan. Recognizing Jesus as Emmanuel, "God with us," we find comfort in His presence. The moral lesson here is clear: faith and trust in God's promises guide us through uncertainty, leading us to act with courage and hope.