Daily Readings - Wed Mar 25 2020
Isaiah
10Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz,11"Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."12But Ahaz said, "I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test."13Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also?14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Hebrews
4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.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
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.37For nothing is impossible with God."38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound moments of faith and divine intervention that guide us toward a deeper understanding of God’s plan. The first reading from Isaiah presents a pivotal moment when King Ahaz is offered a sign by God, symbolized by a virgin bearing a son named Immanuel, signifying God’s presence with His people. This prophecy, made in a time of crisis for Judah, offers hope and assurance of divine deliverance. The second reading from Hebrews contrasts the ineffectiveness of animal sacrifices with the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who willingly offers His body to fulfill God’s will, emphasizing the superiority of His sacrifice over the old covenant rituals. The Gospel of Luke recounts the Annunciation, where Mary, in her humility and obedience, accepts the miraculous task of bearing Jesus, trusting in God’s plan despite the seeming impossibility.
These readings are intricately connected, as Isaiah’s prophecy finds its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, and Hebrews provides the theological depth to understand the significance of Christ’s mission. The thread of obedience and trust weaves through all three readings: Ahaz’s reluctance, Mary’s willingness, and Christ’s surrender. This highlights the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust and obedience to God. Like Mary, we are called to embrace God’s will with faith, even when the path is unclear. The moral lesson here is the transformative power of faith and obedience. Just as Mary’s “Yes” brought salvation into the world, our willingness to follow God’s will can lead to profound grace and redemption in our lives and the lives of others. Let us strive to emulate Mary’s example, trusting in God’s providence and surrendering to His plan with open hearts.