Daily Readings - Tue Feb 20 2018
Isaiah
10As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,11so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Matthew
7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.11Give us today our daily bread.12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. '14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the power of God's word and the simplicity of prayer. The first reading from Isaiah reminds us that just as rain and snow bring life to the earth, God's word is effective and accomplishes its purpose. It does not return empty but brings forth life and nourishment. This passage emphasizes the reliability and fruitfulness of God's word in our lives. The Gospel from Matthew offers us the Lord's Prayer, a model of simplicity and depth. Jesus teaches us that prayer is not about many words but about sincerity and trust in God, who already knows our needs. He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the alignment of our will with God's will.
The context of Isaiah's prophecy is one of hope and restoration. Isaiah is addressing a people who have experienced exile and are longing for renewal. His words assure them that God's word is trustworthy and will bring about new life. In Matthew, Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray in a way that reflects a deep relationship with God as Father. He warns against the superficiality of merely reciting words, as seen in the practices of the pagans, and instead calls for authenticity and humility in prayer.
Both readings highlight the theme of trust in God's providence. Isaiah shows us that God's word is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Matthew teaches us that prayer is not about convincing God but about surrendering to His will and seeking His kingdom. These readings remind us that our relationship with God is rooted in faith and trust, not in our own efforts or words.
In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by trusting in God's plan and seeking to align our will with His. We are called to pray with sincerity, not relying on empty words but on the assurance that God hears us. Forgiveness, as emphasized in the Lord's Prayer, is also a key aspect of living out our faith. Let us reflect on whether our prayers are heartfelt and whether we are living in accordance with God's will. May we find comfort in the knowledge that God's word is always at work, even in the quiet and unseen moments of our lives.