Daily Readings - Thu Sep 08 2022
First Reading - Romans 8.28-30 or Micah 5.2-5a
Romans
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
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.
Matthew
18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about God’s plan and trust in His providence. The first reading from Romans assures us that all things work together for good for those who love God. This passage, part of Paul’s letter to the Romans, emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the assurance of salvation for believers. It highlights the journey of the faithful from being called and justified to ultimately being glorified, all according to God’s plan.
The Gospel from Matthew presents the story of Joseph, a man faced with a challenging situation. Engaged to Mary, he learns of her pregnancy and, being a just man, considers a quiet divorce. However, an angel assures him that the child is of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling a prophecy. This narrative illustrates Joseph’s trust in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem unclear. His obedience and faith exemplify how trust in divine providence can guide us through life’s uncertainties.
These readings connect through the theme of trust in God’s plan. Romans provides the theological foundation, while Matthew offers a concrete example through Joseph. Both invite us to embrace faith, trusting that God’s plan unfolds even in challenging times. Like Joseph, we are called to trust God, even when the path is unclear. This trust leads us to live with hope and confidence, knowing God works all things for our good.