Daily Readings - Mon Dec 02 2024
Isaiah
1The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.2And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.4And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.5O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Matthew
5And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.7And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.11And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.13And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful visions of God's universal plan for humanity. The First Reading from Isaiah paints a serene picture of a future where all nations gather at the mountain of the Lord's house, seeking His ways and walking in His paths. This vision emphasizes a world where swords are turned into plowshares, symbolizing peace and unity under God's rule. It invites us to approach and walk in the light of the Lord, embracing His law and word.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to a specific moment of faith and humility. A Roman centurion, a Gentile, approaches Jesus with a request to heal his servant. Despite his position of authority, the centurion acknowledges his unworthiness and trusts in Jesus' power to heal with just a word. Jesus, moved by this remarkable faith, not only heals the servant but also uses the occasion to highlight that many from all directions will come to share in the kingdom of heaven. This story underscores that faith can emerge from unexpected places and that God's grace extends to all people.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded of the inclusive nature of God's plan. Isaiah's vision and the centurion's faith teach us to embrace humility and trust in God's universal love. In our daily lives, we should remain open to recognizing faith in others, regardless of their background, and seek to live in harmony, trusting in God's word and His promise of peace. Let us strive to walk in the light of the Lord, allowing His grace to transform us and our world.