Daily Readings - Thu Dec 12 2024
First Reading - Zechariah 2.10-13 or Revelation 11.19a; 12.1, 3-6a, 10ab
Zechariah
10Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.11And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.12And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.13Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.
Revelation
19And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:3And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Luke
39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the joy and hope that come from God’s presence in our lives. In the first reading from Zechariah, we hear a prophetic vision of God dwelling among His people, bringing peace and unity. The prophet announces that many nations will be joined to the Lord, and Jerusalem will be a place of sanctity and silence before the majesty of God. This passage reminds us that God’s plan is not limited to one people or place but extends to all humanity, inviting us to live in awe of His divine presence.
In the Gospel, we witness the beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, known as the Visitation. Mary, carrying Jesus in her womb, travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is also expecting a child. The moment Mary greets Elizabeth, the infant John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, praises Mary for her faith. Mary’s response, the Magnificat, is a hymn of praise to God, acknowledging His greatness and the transformative power of His mercy. This scene reveals the profound trust and joy that come from surrendering to God’s will.
These readings are deeply connected. Zechariah’s prophecy of God dwelling among His people is fulfilled in the Gospel, where Mary, the bearer of God, brings His presence to Elizabeth. Both readings emphasize the importance of trust and openness to God’s plan. In our daily lives, we are called to imitate Mary’s faith and Elizabeth’s hospitality. Like them, we should seek to bring God’s presence to others and rejoice in the ways He works in our lives, even when His plans seem unexpected or challenging. Let us remember that God’s dwelling among us is not just a future hope but a present reality, inviting us to live with gratitude, joy, and trust in His providence.