Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 13, 2023
First Reading: Isaiah 40.25-31
25"To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.26Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.27Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?28Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Psalm 103
1Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.2Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-3who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,5who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.7He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:8The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.9He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;10he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;14for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.15As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;16the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.17But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-18with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.19The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.20Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.21Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.22Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Gospel: Matthew 11.28-30
Sermon
In today's readings, we find a powerful message of hope and comfort. The first reading from Isaiah 40:25-31 reminds us of God's incomparable power and His unwavering support for the weary. Isaiah reassures the Israelites, exiled and disheartened, that God, the creator of the universe, does not grow tired and is always a source of strength for those who trust in Him. The imagery of soaring like eagles symbolizes the renewal and vigor God offers to those who hope in Him.
The Gospel from Matthew 11:28-30 complements this message as Jesus invites all who are burdened to come to Him for rest. He offers His yoke, which, though it may seem heavy, is light and easy to bear. This invitation is a direct response to those feeling oppressed, whether by societal expectations or personal struggles, promising that in Him, they will find peace.
Together, these readings remind us that in our darkest and most challenging moments, we are not alone. Whether through God's mighty power or Jesus' gentle invitation, we are offered strength and rest. As we navigate our own struggles, let us trust in God's providence and embrace Jesus' offer, finding the courage to carry on with renewed strength and hope. In doing so, we learn to rely not on our own might but on the grace and comfort that only He can provide.