Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 20, 2022
First Reading: Isaiah 7.10-14; 8.10d
10Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz,11"Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."12But Ahaz said, "I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test."13Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also?14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Psalm 24
1The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;2for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.3Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.5He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.6Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah7Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.9Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.10Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty- he is the King of glory. Selah
Gospel: Luke 1.26-38
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.37For nothing is impossible with God."38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound moments of divine communication, each inviting us to reflect on faith and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Isaiah presents King Ahaz, who, when offered a sign by God, refuses, perhaps out of pride or fear. Despite this, Isaiah assures the people of Judah that God will provide a sign: a virgin shall conceive and bear a son named Immanuel, a prophecy pointing to the coming Messiah. This sets the stage for the Gospel, where Luke recounts the Annunciation. The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing she will bear Jesus, the Son of God. Mary, though perplexed, responds with faith and obedience, embracing God’s will.
These readings are deeply connected, as Isaiah’s prophecy finds its fulfillment in Mary’s “Yes.” While Ahaz hesitates, Mary’s faith shines, illustrating the transformative power of trust in God. Both stories highlight the importance of openness to divine plans, even when they seem impossible. Mary’s acceptance of the unknown exemplifies the faith we are called to emulate.
In our daily lives, we often face challenges that test our faith. Like Mary, we are invited to trust in God’s providence, even when circumstances seem daunting. The moral lesson here is clear: faith is not about understanding everything but about surrendering to God’s will. As we navigate life’s uncertainties, let us draw inspiration from Mary’s example, embracing God’s plan with courage and trust, knowing that no word of God is impossible.