Daily Readings - Mon Nov 29 2021
Isaiah
1This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:2In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.3Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.4He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.5Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Matthew
5When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.6"Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."7Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."8The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."10When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.13Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith and the universal call to peace and unity. In the first reading, Isaiah paints a vision of a future where all nations stream to the mountain of the Lord, seeking his ways and walking in his paths. This is a time when swords are beaten into plowshares and war is no more. It is a vision of peace, harmony, and unity among all peoples. Isaiah speaks these words to a Judah facing political turmoil and the threat of foreign invasion, offering hope that God’s plan for humanity is one of ultimate peace and reconciliation. The reading reminds us that God’s ways are not limited to one people or place but are meant for all nations.
In the Gospel, we encounter a Roman centurion, a man of authority and power, who humbles himself before Jesus. Despite his status, he recognizes his unworthiness and trusts completely in Jesus’ power to heal his servant. His faith is remarkable because he understands the chain of command and believes that Jesus’ word alone is sufficient to bring healing. Jesus, in turn, praises the centurion’s faith and grants the healing. This story highlights the universality of God’s grace and the importance of humility and trust in our relationship with God. Like the centurion, we are called to approach God with faith, recognizing our limitations and relying on his providence.
These readings are connected by the theme of faith and trust in God’s plan. Isaiah’s vision of universal peace is fulfilled in part through the healing power of Jesus, who extends his grace to all people, regardless of their background. For us today, these readings invite us to trust in God’s plan for our lives and for the world. Like the centurion, we may face challenges and uncertainties, but we can approach God with humility and faith, knowing that his word has the power to bring healing and transformation. Let us strive to live as instruments of peace and to share the universal message of God’s love with all people.