Daily Readings - Sun Jan 08 2023
Isaiah
1"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.2See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.3Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.4"Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm.5Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.6Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.
Ephesians
2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you,3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Matthew
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:6"'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through prophecy, revelation, and fulfillment, all centered on the universal call to worship and embrace the light of Christ. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem rising in glory, attracting nations to her light, with gifts symbolizing worship and devotion. This prophecy is not just about a place but about a people—God's people, both Jews and Gentiles. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reveals the mystery of the Gospel: that through Christ, Gentiles are co-heirs, united in one body. This mystery, once hidden, is now unveiled, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's plan. The Gospel narrative of the Magi, wise men from the East, brings this prophecy and mystery to life. They follow a star, guided by faith and curiosity, to worship the newborn King, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their journey symbolizes the universal draw of Christ's light, transcending borders and backgrounds.
The connection between these readings is profound. Isaiah's prophecy and Paul's revelation find their fulfillment in the Magi's visit. The light of Christ, once thought to be for the Jews alone, is revealed to all nations. The Magi, as Gentiles, embody this inclusion, showing that the Gospel is for everyone. Their willingness to seek and worship Jesus, despite the challenges, illustrates the transformative power of faith. Paul's role as a steward of this mystery highlights the responsibility to share this inclusive message with the world.
In our daily lives, we are called to emulate the Magi's openness and perseverance. Like them, we must seek Jesus with determination, guided by faith even when the path is uncertain. The readings remind us to embrace diversity and inclusion, recognizing that the light of Christ is for all people. We are to be like the star, shining brightly to guide others to Him. Trusting in God's guidance, as the Magi did, we navigate life's challenges with courage and hope, always remembering that the Gospel's message is universal.
The moral lesson here is clear: the light of Christ is not confined but is meant to illuminate all nations. We are called to be part of this illumination, welcoming others into the body of Christ. Let us, like the Magi, approach worship with humility and generosity, and like Paul, be steadfast in sharing the Gospel's inclusive message. May we trust in God's plan, even when it seems mysterious, and may His light guide us to be instruments of unity and love in a diverse world.