Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 9, 2022
First Reading: Isaiah 48.17-19
17This is what the LORD says- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.18If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.19Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be cut off nor destroyed from before me."
Psalm 1
1Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.2But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.3He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.4Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.6For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Gospel: Matthew 11.16-19
16"To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:17"'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge and you did not mourn.'18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we hear two distinct yet interconnected messages from the books of Isaiah and Matthew. Isaiah speaks of God’s guidance and the promise of peace and justice for those who follow His commandments. The passage serves as a reminder of the blessings that come from obedience, contrasting with the consequences of neglecting God’s teachings. In Matthew, Jesus illustrates the fickleness of the human heart through a parable about indecisive children. He highlights the rejection of both John the Baptist and Himself, pointing out how people criticized John for his austerity and Jesus for His engagement with sinners. This passage underscores the challenge of recognizing and embracing wisdom, regardless of its form.
Both readings emphasize the importance of responsiveness to God’s message. Isaiah’s context is one of redemption for the Israelites, urging them to follow God’s ways for the sake of peace and justice. Matthew’s context is Jesus addressing the crowds, expressing frustration over their inability to discern truth. Together, they remind us that God’s wisdom can come in various forms—sometimes through sacrifice, other times through engagement. The key is to remain open and receptive, avoiding the pitfalls of judgment and bias.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to reflect on our own responsiveness to God’s will. We may often find ourselves critical or indecisive, much like the generation Jesus addressed. The moral lesson here is the importance of discernment and openness. By following God’s commandments and embracing His wisdom, we can find true peace and justice. Let us strive to be receptive to God’s message, whether it comes through sacrifice or engagement, and trust in His guidance to lead us towards a life of fulfillment and grace.