Daily Readings - Sun Dec 19 2021
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.
Hebrews
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
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages that guide us toward a deeper understanding of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Micah prophesies the birth of a ruler in Bethlehem, signifying hope and peace amidst turmoil. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, emphasizing His divine mission. The second reading from Hebrews highlights Jesus' role as the perfect sacrifice, surpassing the old covenant's offerings, and underscores His obedience to God's will. In the Gospel, Luke narrates the visitation where Mary's faith is praised, and the unborn John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as Lord, illustrating the power of faith and recognition of God's presence.
These readings interconnect by pointing to Jesus as our savior, whose birth and mission bring hope and redemption. Micah sets the stage for Jesus' arrival, Hebrews explains His sacrifice, and Luke shows the early acknowledgment of His divinity. Together, they remind us that faith and trust in God are essential. In our daily lives, we are called to emulate Mary's faith, trusting God's plan even when uncertain. Like Elizabeth, we should recognize God's presence and rejoice in His work.
The moral lesson here is the importance of living with faith and trust. Just as Mary and Elizabeth trusted God, we too can find peace and strength by surrendering to His will. Let us embrace this trust, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions, and may our faith in God bring us joy and fulfillment.