Daily Readings - Mon Jan 09 2023
First Reading - Isaiah 42.1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10.34-38
Isaiah
1"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.2He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.3A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;4he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope."6"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,7to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
Acts
34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.37You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached--38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Matthew
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of justice, humility, and the gentle yet profound way God works in the world. In the first reading from Isaiah, we encounter a prophecy about a servant of the Lord who will bring justice to the nations not through force or noise, but through gentleness and compassion. This servant, chosen and upheld by God, will be a light to the Gentiles and will free those trapped in darkness. The passage emphasizes that true justice is not about power or dominance but about healing the broken and upholding the vulnerable.
In the Gospel, we see this prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist reveals a profound moment of humility and obedience. Despite John’s hesitation, Jesus insists on being baptized, saying it is necessary to “fulfill all justice.” This act of humility is met with a divine affirmation: the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares Jesus to be His beloved Son. This moment is not just about Jesus; it is about God’s way of working in the world—through self-giving love and humility rather than through might or coercion.
These readings remind us that our Christian life is not about seeking power or recognition but about living with humility, compassion, and gentleness. Just as Jesus fulfilled justice by being baptized, we are called to fulfill justice by living out our faith in ways that uplift others and bring light to those in darkness. Let us ask ourselves: How can we, like the servant in Isaiah and like Jesus, be instruments of God’s healing and justice in our daily lives? May we trust in God’s plan and allow the Spirit to guide us in living with humility, love, and courage.