Daily Readings - Sun Dec 13 2020
Isaiah
1The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,2to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,10I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.11For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
1 Thessalonians
16Be joyful always;17pray continually;18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.19Do not put out the Spirit's fire;20do not treat prophecies with contempt.21Test everything. Hold on to the good.22Avoid every kind of evil.23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
John
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.19Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ. "21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not.Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."22Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"24Now some Pharisees who had been sent25questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"26"I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know.27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages that guide us on our spiritual journey. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the anointed one, tasked with bringing hope and justice to a world in need. This prophecy, fulfilled in Jesus, reminds us of the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. The second reading from Thessalonians encourages us to embrace a life of joy, prayer, and gratitude, trusting in God's will and avoiding anything that might dampen our spiritual fervor. Here, Paul underscores the importance of living faithfully, even amidst challenges.
The Gospel introduces John the Baptist, a humble figure who prepares the way for the Messiah. John's role is not to seek glory but to point others to the Light, Jesus Christ. His humility and focus on his mission serve as a model for us, reminding us to stay grounded and purposeful in our own lives.
Connecting these readings, we see a common thread of purpose and humility. Isaiah's prophecy, John's preparatory role, and Paul's exhortation all point to a life lived with intention and faith. In our daily lives, this means embracing our roles with humility, trusting in God's plan, and maintaining joy and gratitude. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to live with purpose, pointing others to God through our actions and attitudes, just as John the Baptist did. May we, like John, find joy in preparing the way for the Lord, trusting in His plan and living faithfully each day.