Daily Readings - Mon Mar 11 2024
Isaiah
17For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.18But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.19And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.20There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.21And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
John
43Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.45Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.46So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.47When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.52Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.53So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.54This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages of hope and transformation. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a new creation, where sorrow and death are no more, and joy and longevity define human existence. This vision was spoken to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon, offering them hope of a restored future. The Gospel from John narrates Jesus's second sign in Galilee, where He heals a nobleman's son through a word of faith, demonstrating His divine authority and the power of trust in His word.
Both readings highlight God's transformative power. Isaiah's new creation symbolizes God's ultimate restoration, while John's account shows Jesus's immediate, tangible impact through miracles. This connection reminds us that God's work is both future-oriented and present, offering hope and renewal in our current lives.
In application, these readings encourage us to trust God amidst struggles, like the nobleman who believed Jesus's word. They invite us to live with hope, knowing God is continually creating something new. The moral lesson is clear: have faith in God's promises and trust His plan, even in uncertain times. Let us embrace this hope and live joyfully, trusting in God's transformative power.