Daily Readings - Fri Dec 04 2020
Isaiah
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."
Matthew
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 themes of hope, healing, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where the marginalized and oppressed are uplifted, and the blind, both physically and spiritually, gain sight. Isaiah speaks to a people in exile, offering them a vision of redemption and restoration. He assures them that God’s plan is unfolding, even in the midst of darkness, and that one day the meek will rejoice and the poor will exult in the Holy One of Israel. This passage reminds us that God’s justice and mercy are always at work, even when they seem distant.
The Gospel reading from Matthew brings this vision of restoration to life in a concrete way. Jesus, the Son of David, encounters two blind men who cry out for his mercy. When he asks them if they trust in his ability to heal, they respond with unwavering faith, “Certainly, Lord.” Their trust is rewarded as Jesus touches their eyes, restoring their sight. Yet, despite his instruction to keep the miracle quiet, the men spread the news far and wide. This story highlights the connection between faith and healing, as well as the irresistible urge to share the Good News with others.
These readings remind us that faith is not just about believing in something we cannot see; it is about trusting in God’s plan, even when the path ahead is unclear. Like the blind men, we are called to approach God with humility and trust, knowing that he desires to bring light and healing into our lives. At the same time, we are reminded that once we have experienced God’s grace, we cannot keep it to ourselves. We are called to share the joy and hope we have found with others, even when it may seem inconvenient or challenging. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s plan and to be bold in sharing his love with a world in need.