Daily Readings - Sun Dec 22 2024
Micah
2"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. "3Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.4He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.5And he will be their peace. When the Assyrian invades our land and marches through our fortresses, we will raise against him seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men.
Hebrews
5Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;6with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.7Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll--I have come to do your will, O God.'"8First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made).9Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second.10And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Luke
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages that weave together prophecy, fulfillment, and the essence of God's plan. The first reading from Micah prophesizes the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem, emphasizing God's eternal plan for salvation amidst Israel's turmoil. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the Gospel of Luke, where Mary, carrying Jesus, visits Elizabeth. The encounter is filled with joy and recognition of the divine presence, as Elizabeth praises Mary and the unborn John the Baptist leaps in celebration. The second reading from Hebrews bridges these narratives by explaining that Christ's sacrifice, once for all, fulfills God's will, replacing the old covenant's offerings with His own body.
These readings are intricately connected, illustrating the journey from prophecy to fulfillment and the theological significance of Christ's mission. Micah's prophecy sets the stage for the Messiah's arrival, while Luke's account shows the early signs of Jesus's divine nature. Hebrews deepens our understanding by highlighting the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice, which seals God's covenant with humanity.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's timing and plan. Just as Mary trusted the angel's message, we are called to embrace God's will with faith. The readings also remind us of the importance of selfless love and sacrifice, as exemplified by Christ. Let us reflect on how we can live out this call to trust and sacrifice, allowing God's plan to unfold in our lives. May we, like Mary and Elizabeth, rejoice in the divine presence around us and within us, living each day with hearts open to God's will.