Daily Readings - Fri Dec 07 2018
Isaiah
17In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field and the fertile field seem like a forest?18In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.19Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.20The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down-21those who with a word make a man out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.22Therefore this is what the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, says to the house of Jacob: "No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will their faces grow pale.23When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.24Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction."
Matthew
27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"28When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?Yes, Lord," they replied.29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you";30and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this."31But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope, healing, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future time when God will restore His people, bringing light to those in darkness and hope to the afflicted. Lebanon, once a symbol of fertility, will flourish again, and the deaf and blind will experience the miracle of healing. This prophecy speaks of a time when God’s justice will prevail, and His people will rejoice in His holiness. It is a message of redemption and renewal, reminding us that even in times of despair, God’s plan for restoration is at work.
The Gospel reading from Matthew brings this prophecy to life in the person of Jesus Christ. As Jesus walks through the streets, two blind men cry out to Him, acknowledging Him as the “Son of David,” a title rich with messianic significance. Jesus, moved by their faith, heals them, restoring their sight. Yet, He instructs them to keep this miracle quiet, a request they cannot help but disregard, so overwhelmed are they by the gift they have received. This passage reminds us that faith is not just about believing in God’s power but also about trusting in His goodness and being open to the ways He wants to work in our lives.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God. Like the blind men, we are called to approach Him with faith and trust, even when we cannot see the full picture of His plan. Isaiah’s vision of restoration encourages us to hold onto hope, knowing that God is always working to bring light into our darkness. As we go about our daily lives, may we remain open to the ways God wants to heal and transform us. And like the blind men, may we not keep silent about the ways He has touched our lives, sharing the Good News with others and giving glory to His name.