Daily Readings - Mon Sep 08 2025
First Reading - Romans 8.28-30 or Micah 5.2-5a
Romans
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Micah
2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.3Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.4And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.5And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.
Matthew
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound mystery of God’s providence and the call to trust in His plan. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that for those who love God, all things work together for good. This is not a simplistic promise that life will always be easy or that suffering will never come, but rather a deep assurance that even in the midst of challenges, God is at work, shaping us into the image of His Son. The Apostle emphasizes the connection between being called, justified, and glorified—each step a part of God’s unfolding plan for our salvation.
In the Gospel, we encounter the quiet faith of St. Joseph, a man faced with a situation that could have led to fear, confusion, or even anger. Instead, Joseph chooses to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unexpected and unconventional. The Angel reassures him, “Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home,” and Joseph obeys, becoming a key figure in the story of salvation. This passage reminds us that God often works in ways we do not fully understand, but our task is to listen, trust, and respond with obedience.
Both readings call us to embrace a spirit of trust and surrender in our daily lives. Like Joseph, we may face moments of uncertainty or difficulty, but we are invited to see these as opportunities to deepen our faith. St. Paul’s words encourage us to view life’s challenges through the lens of God’s providence, knowing that He is always working for our good. Let us strive to imitate Joseph’s quiet courage and trust, allowing God to guide us even when the path ahead seems unclear. In doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace, and we become instruments of His plan in the world.