Daily Readings - Fri Dec 06 2024
Isaiah
17In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field and the fertile field seem like a forest?18In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.19Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.20The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down-21those who with a word make a man out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.22Therefore this is what the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, says to the house of Jacob: "No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will their faces grow pale.23When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.24Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction."
Matthew
27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"28When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?Yes, Lord," they replied.29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you";30and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this."31But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and healing. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where the deaf will hear and the blind will see, a time when God's justice and redemption will be fully realized. This passage was written during a time of great turmoil for the Israelites, offering them hope that their suffering would end and that God would restore them. The prophet emphasizes that even in darkness, God's light will prevail, and the meek and the poor will find joy in Him.
The Gospel from Matthew brings this hope to life through the story of Jesus healing two blind men. These men, in their desperation, cried out to Jesus, recognizing Him as the "Son of David," a title rich with messianic significance. Jesus' question to them, "Do you believe I can do this?" invites them to express their faith. Their affirmative response leads to their healing, and though Jesus asks them to keep the miracle quiet, they cannot help but spread the news of God's mercy. This story highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's power to transform our lives.
These readings remind us that faith is not just about believing in something we cannot see, but about trusting in God's plan and timing. Just as the blind men trusted Jesus enough to follow Him and seek healing, we too are called to trust in God's presence in our lives, even when we cannot see the way ahead. In our daily struggles, we can draw strength from these stories, knowing that God is always near, ready to bring light and healing into our darkness. Let us, like the blind men, approach Him with faith and humility, and let His grace transform us.