Daily Readings - Fri Dec 06 2024
Isaiah
17Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?18And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.19The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.20For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:21That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.22Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.23But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.24They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Matthew
27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.28And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.30And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.31But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and healing. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where the deaf will hear and the blind will see, a time when God's justice and redemption will be fully realized. This passage was written during a time of great turmoil for the Israelites, offering them hope that their suffering would end and that God would restore them. The prophet emphasizes that even in darkness, God's light will prevail, and the meek and the poor will find joy in Him.
The Gospel from Matthew brings this hope to life through the story of Jesus healing two blind men. These men, in their desperation, cried out to Jesus, recognizing Him as the "Son of David," a title rich with messianic significance. Jesus' question to them, "Do you believe I can do this?" invites them to express their faith. Their affirmative response leads to their healing, and though Jesus asks them to keep the miracle quiet, they cannot help but spread the news of God's mercy. This story highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's power to transform our lives.
These readings remind us that faith is not just about believing in something we cannot see, but about trusting in God's plan and timing. Just as the blind men trusted Jesus enough to follow Him and seek healing, we too are called to trust in God's presence in our lives, even when we cannot see the way ahead. In our daily struggles, we can draw strength from these stories, knowing that God is always near, ready to bring light and healing into our darkness. Let us, like the blind men, approach Him with faith and humility, and let His grace transform us.