Daily Readings - Mon Mar 31 2025
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 powerful messages of hope, healing, and faith. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where sorrow and pain are erased, replaced by joy and prosperity. This vision of a new heavens and a new earth is a promise of restoration, offering comfort to a people who had endured hardship. The Gospel from John tells the story of Jesus healing the royal official's son, a miracle that underscores Jesus' divine authority and the transformative power of faith.
These readings are connected by the theme of God's desire to heal and restore. Isaiah's prophecy speaks of a broader, future restoration, while John's account provides a specific example of Jesus' healing power. Together, they remind us that God's plan is both ultimate and intimate, encompassing both the grand future and our personal struggles.
In our daily lives, we face various forms of affliction, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Like the royal official, we are called to trust in God's word, even when we cannot see the outcome. The lesson here is one of faith and trust. Just as the official believed Jesus without immediate proof, we too can place our trust in God's promises. This faith not only brings us comfort but also inspires us to pray with perseverance and confidence in God's mercy. Let us hold onto this hope and trust, knowing that God's healing touch is available to us all.