Daily Readings - Wed Dec 11 2019
Isaiah
25"To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.26Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.27Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?28Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and comfort from both Isaiah and Matthew. The first reading from Isaiah speaks to a people in exile, weary and feeling abandoned. Isaiah reminds them of God's immense power and care, urging them to trust in His strength. He highlights that God, who creates and sustains all things, does not grow weary and is always present to renew their energy. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus offering rest to those burdened, inviting them to take on His yoke, which is light and easy. Jesus emphasizes His meekness and humility, promising that those who come to Him will find the rest their souls desire.
Both readings, though separated by time, share a common theme of divine comfort and strength. Isaiah focuses on God's might, while Jesus offers a personal, gentle invitation. Together, they remind us that our faith is both awe-inspiring and intimately personal. In our lives, we often feel overwhelmed, much like the Israelites in exile or the people Jesus addressed. These passages encourage us to seek God's strength and find rest in Jesus, balancing trust in divine power with a personal relationship with Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us remember that true strength comes from humility and trust in God. In a world that often values self-reliance, we are called to acknowledge our limitations and seek divine assistance. By trusting in God and finding rest in Jesus, we can face life's challenges with renewed vigor and hope. Let us embrace this invitation to humility and trust, allowing God to carry our burdens and guide us on our journey.