Daily Readings - Tue Sep 08 2020
First Reading - Romans 8.28-30 or Micah 5.2-5a
Romans
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
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.
Matthew
18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of trust and divine presence. The first reading from Romans 8:28-30 assures us that God works all things for good for those who love Him, outlining a journey from predestination to glorification. This passage is part of Paul's broader discussion on suffering and God's sovereignty, reassuring believers of His plan. The Gospel, Matthew 1:18-23, narrates Joseph's discovery of Mary's pregnancy and the angel's reassurance. This story, part of the infancy narrative, highlights Joseph's righteousness and obedience, fulfilling the prophecy of Emmanuel, meaning "God is with us."
Both readings emphasize trust in God's plan. Romans provides the theological foundation, while Matthew offers a practical example through Joseph's obedient trust despite uncertainty. This relationship between the readings shows that understanding God's overarching plan is lived out in concrete, faithful actions.
In daily life, we face uncertainties where God's plan isn't clear. Like Joseph, we're called to trust, even when circumstances confuse us. The moral lesson here is profound: God is always present, working through all events. Trusting Him means embracing His plan, even when it's challenging. This trust brings peace, knowing God is with us, just as He was with Joseph and Mary. Let us, like Joseph, step into the unknown with faith, trusting that God's presence guides us through life's complexities.