Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 6, 2019
First Reading: Isaiah 29.17-24
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."
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?2When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.4One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.5For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.8My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.9Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.11Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.13I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Gospel: Matthew 9.27-31
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 images of hope, healing, and transformation. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where the deaf will hear and the blind will see, where the meek will rejoice, and the poor will exult in the Holy One of Israel. This vision is set against the backdrop of a people in exile, struggling with despair and injustice. Isaiah reminds us that God’s redemption is not just a distant promise but a transformative reality that will restore creation and bring light to those in darkness. The prophet’s words are a call to trust in God’s plan, even when the present seems bleak.
The Gospel reading from Matthew brings this hope into sharp focus through the story of Jesus healing two blind men. These men, marginalized and excluded because of their disability, cry out to Jesus, “Have pity on us, Son of David.” Their plea is not just for physical sight but for a deeper restoration—they long to be seen and valued. Jesus, moved by their faith, touches their eyes and restores their sight. This miracle is more than a physical healing; it is a sign of the kingdom breaking into the world. Just as Isaiah spoke of a time when the eyes of the blind would see, Jesus embodies that promise, revealing himself as the one who brings light to darkness.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we encounter God in our own lives. Like the blind men, we often find ourselves in places of darkness, whether through suffering, doubt, or sin. Yet, Jesus stands before us, asking, “Do you believe I can do this for you?” Our response, like theirs, must be one of faith and trust. The readings also remind us that healing is not just for ourselves but for others. Just as the blind men could not keep their healing to themselves, we are called to share the light of Christ with a world still shrouded in darkness. Let us, then, approach life with the same persistence and hope as those two blind men, trusting in God’s power to transform us and through us, transform the world.