Daily Readings - Mon Dec 02 2024
Isaiah
1This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:2In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.3Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.4He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.5Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Matthew
5When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.6"Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."7Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."8The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."10When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.13Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful visions of God's universal plan for humanity. The First Reading from Isaiah paints a serene picture of a future where all nations gather at the mountain of the Lord's house, seeking His ways and walking in His paths. This vision emphasizes a world where swords are turned into plowshares, symbolizing peace and unity under God's rule. It invites us to approach and walk in the light of the Lord, embracing His law and word.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to a specific moment of faith and humility. A Roman centurion, a Gentile, approaches Jesus with a request to heal his servant. Despite his position of authority, the centurion acknowledges his unworthiness and trusts in Jesus' power to heal with just a word. Jesus, moved by this remarkable faith, not only heals the servant but also uses the occasion to highlight that many from all directions will come to share in the kingdom of heaven. This story underscores that faith can emerge from unexpected places and that God's grace extends to all people.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded of the inclusive nature of God's plan. Isaiah's vision and the centurion's faith teach us to embrace humility and trust in God's universal love. In our daily lives, we should remain open to recognizing faith in others, regardless of their background, and seek to live in harmony, trusting in God's word and His promise of peace. Let us strive to walk in the light of the Lord, allowing His grace to transform us and our world.