Daily Readings - Wed Dec 11 2024
Isaiah
25To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.26Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.27Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?28Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of divine strength and compassion. The first reading from Isaiah 40:25-31 reminds us of God's incomparable power and His role as the creator who sustains the weary. Isaiah reassures the Israelites, exiled and disheartened, that God's strength is limitless and that He does not grow tired. This passage, part of the "Book of Consolation," is a beacon of hope, urging trust in God's providence and care.
The Gospel from Matthew 11:28-30 complements this message with Jesus' invitation to all who are burdened. Jesus, embodying God's compassion, offers rest to those overwhelmed by life's struggles. This teaching, part of Jesus' ministry, was a comfort to His disciples and the oppressed, emphasizing that following Him brings peace and lightens burdens. Together, these readings present a balanced view of God—as both the omnipotent creator and the gentle, humble Lord who offers rest.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to seek strength and rest in God. When we feel overwhelmed, we are reminded to trust in God's power and accept Jesus' invitation. This trust leads to humility and surrender, allowing us to find peace amidst challenges. The moral reflection here is one of trust and humility, urging us to recognize our limitations and turn to God for renewal and strength. Through this, we find spiritual rejuvenation and the courage to face life's journey with hope and resilience.