Daily Readings - Sun Jan 07 2018
Isaiah
1"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.2See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.3Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.4"Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm.5Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.6Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.
Ephesians
2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you,3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Matthew
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:6"'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Sermon
The readings today weave together a narrative of light, prophecy, and inclusion, inviting us to reflect on God's universal plan. Isaiah's prophecy in the first reading paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem illuminated by God's glory, attracting nations to its light. This vision is fulfilled in the Gospel as the Magi, Gentile wise men, follow a star to Bethlehem, recognizing Jesus as the King. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize homage to a ruler, highlighting Jesus' universal sovereignty. Paul's letter to the Ephesians bridges these narratives, explaining that the Gospel reveals the mystery of Gentiles as co-heirs with Jews in Christ, emphasizing unity and the body of Christ.
The context of these readings reveals a divine plan where light transcends borders. Isaiah's words, spoken to a people in exile, offer hope of restoration and universal recognition of God's presence. The Magi's journey from the East embodies this hope, as they seek the Messiah guided by a star. Paul's epistle underscores that this inclusion was part of God's plan, revealed through the Gospel, breaking down walls between Jews and Gentiles.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to embrace our role as bearers of God's light. Just as the Magi were open to guidance from a star, we must remain open to the Holy Spirit's leading. We are to welcome others into our communities, reflecting the unity Christ established. The moral lesson is clear: God's plan is one of inclusion and light for all nations. As we navigate our world, may we, like the Magi, seek Jesus with reverence and generosity, living as agents of unity and light in a diverse world.