Daily Readings - Fri Dec 24 2021
2 Samuel
1After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,2he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent."3Nathan replied to the king, "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you."4That night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying:5"Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?8"Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel.9I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth.10And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning11and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. "'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you:12When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom.16Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'"
Luke
67His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:68"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.69He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David70(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),71salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us--72to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,73the oath he swore to our father Abraham:74to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.76And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,77to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven79to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on God's promises and their fulfillment. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts King David's desire to build a house for God, only to be told by Nathan that God will instead establish a lasting dynasty through David. This highlights God's trust in David, transforming his humble past as a shepherd into a royal lineage. The Gospel from Luke presents Zechariah's canticle, a joyful response to the birth of John the Baptist, who is destined to prepare the way for the Lord. Both readings underscore God's faithfulness and the pivotal roles chosen individuals play in His divine plan.
The context of these readings is crucial. David, having secured peace, considers building a temple, symbolizing his desire to honor God. Nathan's prophecy redirects this ambition, emphasizing God's promise of a eternal kingdom through David's descendants. In Luke, Zechariah's song of praise celebrates the fulfillment of these promises through the coming of Jesus, with John the Baptist as the precursor. This connection between the two readings bridges the establishment of the kingdom and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Applying these readings to our lives, we are reminded to trust in God's plan, even when it surpasses our understanding. Like David, we may have aspirations, but it is God who guides our true purpose. Zechariah's example teaches us to embrace our roles in God's plan with joy and faith. Our task is to prepare the way for others to encounter God, much like John the Baptist. In a world filled with uncertainty, these readings encourage us to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God's promises will unfold in His time.
The moral lesson here is one of faith and trust. God's plans are often beyond our comprehension, yet they are always rooted in love and wisdom. We are called to embrace our part in His narrative, whether in grand gestures or humble service. By doing so, we not only honor God but also become instruments of His grace, guiding others toward the path of peace and salvation.