Daily Readings - Sun Dec 23 2018
Micah
2"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. "3Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.4He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.5And he will be their peace. When the Assyrian invades our land and marches through our fortresses, we will raise against him seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men.
Hebrews
5Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;6with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.7Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll--I have come to do your will, O God.'"8First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made).9Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second.10And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Luke
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through prophecy, fulfillment, and the power of faith, each offering a unique perspective on God's plan and our role within it. The first reading from Micah sets the stage with a prophecy of a ruler born in Bethlehem, emphasizing humility and the promise of peace. This prophecy is not just a forecast but a testament to God's meticulous plan, highlighting Bethlehem's significance despite its small size. It reminds us that greatness often emerges from humble beginnings, a theme central to Jesus' birth and mission.
The second reading from Hebrews bridges the prophecy with its fulfillment through Jesus. It explains that Jesus' sacrifice replaces traditional offerings, embodying God's will and providing a once-for-all atonement. This passage underscores the depth of Jesus' obedience and the efficacy of his sacrifice, which sanctifies us. It invites us to reflect on the profound impact of Jesus' life and death, urging us to embrace God's will with similar dedication.
In Luke's Gospel, we witness the visitation where Mary's faith is met with Elizabeth's joyful recognition of the divine. This encounter illustrates the immediate impact of the Incarnation, as John the Baptist leaps in recognition of Jesus' presence. Mary's faith and trust in God's plan serve as a model for us, encouraging us to embrace our roles in God's narrative with trust and humility.
As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Like Mary, we are called to say "yes" to God's will, understanding that our faith can inspire others. Let us approach each day with the humility of Bethlehem, the obedience of Jesus, and the faith of Mary, allowing God's peace to reign in our hearts. In doing so, we not only fulfill our part in God's story but also become beacons of hope and joy to those around us.