Daily Readings - Sun Jan 07 2024
Isaiah
1Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.2For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.3And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.4Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.5Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.6The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.
Ephesians
2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Matthew
1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through themes of light, revelation, and the universal embrace of God's plan. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem as a beacon of light, where nations gather, bringing gifts and glory. This prophecy speaks to a time of restoration and hope, where God's light transcends borders, inviting all to partake in His radiance. Ephesians unfolds this mystery further, revealing that the Gospel was always intended for the Gentiles, making them co-heirs with the Jews in God's promise. This epistle emphasizes the unity and inclusion that Christ brings, breaking down walls between peoples. In Matthew, we see this prophecy and mystery fulfilled as the Magi, representing the Gentiles, follow the star to Bethlehem, bearing gifts for the newborn King. Their journey symbolizes the universal call to recognize and adore Christ, despite the darkness of Herod's opposition.
These readings are deeply interconnected, each shedding light on the others. Isaiah's vision of nations streaming to Jerusalem finds its fulfillment in the Magi's visit, while Ephesians explains the theological underpinning of this inclusion. Together, they reveal God's plan for a world united in His light. The Magi's trust in the star and their perseverance despite obstacles remind us to trust in God's guidance and to seek Him with openness and faith. Their encounter with Herod also warns us of the dangers of pride and the desire for power, urging us to approach God with humility and reverence.
In our daily lives, we are called to be like the Magi, seeking God with open hearts and minds. We are invited to embrace the diversity of God's family, recognizing that His plan includes people from all walks of life. Let us, like the Magi, bring our own gifts—our talents, resources, and love—to worship and serve Him. May we also learn to trust in God's providence, even when the path is uncertain, and to avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance. As we reflect on these readings, may we be illuminated by God's light and guided by His star, leading us ever closer to Him and to one another.