Daily Readings - Fri Dec 02 2022
Isaiah
17In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field and the fertile field seem like a forest?18In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.19Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.20The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down-21those who with a word make a man out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.22Therefore this is what the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, says to the house of Jacob: "No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will their faces grow pale.23When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.24Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction."
Matthew
27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"28When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?Yes, Lord," they replied.29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you";30and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this."31But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of faith and the fulfillment of God's promises. In the first reading from Isaiah, we glimpse a future where the world is renewed: the deaf hear, the blind see, and the meek find joy in the Lord. This vision of redemption is not just a distant hope but a present reality through God's intervention. Isaiah emphasizes that God's redemption brings understanding and learning, especially to those who have strayed, highlighting the universal reach of His grace.
In the Gospel, Matthew recounts the story of two blind men healed by Jesus. Their faith is pivotal; they trust in Jesus' power, and their sight is restored. Despite Jesus' request for silence, they spread the news, illustrating the irresistible urge to share the Good News. This miracle fulfills Isaiah's prophecy, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan.
These readings remind us to trust in God's power and to share our faith boldly. Just as the blind men trusted Jesus, we should have faith in His transformative power. Moreover, we are called to spread the Gospel, even when faced with challenges. The moral lesson here is the importance of faith and evangelization, urging us to embrace God's grace and share it with others.