Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 23, 2018
First Reading: Micah 5.2-5a
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.
Psalm 80
1Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth2before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.3Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.4O LORD God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?5You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.6You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.7Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.8You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.9You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land.10The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.11It sent out its boughs to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.12Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes?13Boars from the forest ravage it and the creatures of the field feed on it.14Return to us, O God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine,15the root your right hand has planted, the son you have raised up for yourself.16Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish.17Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.18Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.19Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Second Reading: Hebrews 10.5-10
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.
Gospel: Luke 1.39-45
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.