Daily Readings - Sat Dec 23 2023
Malachi
1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.4Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
Luke
57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.59And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.63And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Sermon
The readings today guide us through themes of preparation and divine intervention, inviting us to reflect on our spiritual readiness and openness to God's will. In Malachi, we hear of a messenger preparing the way for the Lord, a figure who will purify and refine, much like a refiner's fire. This messenger is Elijah, whose role is to restore harmony between generations, turning hearts back to God. The passage underscores the transformative power of God's presence, urging us to be prepared for His coming.
In Luke's Gospel, we witness the birth of John the Baptist, a pivotal moment as John is named against the expectations of those around him. This act of naming symbolizes obedience to God's will, as Zechariah, regaining his voice, acknowledges the divine plan. John's arrival signals the beginning of a new era, preparing the way for Jesus. This narrative highlights the importance of listening to God's voice and being open to His plan, even when it challenges our expectations.
Together, these readings remind us of the need for spiritual preparation and openness. As we go about our daily lives, we are called to create space for God, much like John prepared the way for Jesus. This involves reflecting on our actions, seeking justice, and nurturing a heart receptive to God's will. May we, like John, embody the spirit of preparation, turning our hearts to God and embracing His transformative grace.