St. John of Damascus, priest 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Isaiah 29:17-24

In a very short time, 

Lebanon will become a fruitful field and the fruitful field will be as a forest.  On that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and out of the dark and obscurity

the eyes of the blind will see. The meek will find joy and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.  

For the tyrant will be no more and the scoffers gone forever, and all who plan to do evil will be cut down –  those who by a word make a you guilty, those who for a bribe can lay a snare and send home the just empty-handed. 

 Therefore Yahweh, Abraham’s redeemer, speaks concerning the people of Jacob: No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will his face grow pale.  When he sees the work of my hands, his children again in his midst, they will sanctify my name, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and stand in awe of the God of Israel.

 Those who err in spirit will understand; those who murmur will learn.

 

Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Matthew  9:27-31

 As Jesus moved on from there, two blind men followed him, shouting, “Son of David, help us!” When he was about to enter the house, the blind men caught up with him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do what you want?” They answered, “Yes, sir!”

 Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “As you have believed, so let it be.” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus gave them a stern warning, “Be careful and let no one know about this.” But as soon as they went away, they spread the news about him through the whole area.

 

Gospel Reflection：

This joyful month of December has us all agog about Christmas decors. Our homes glitter with colorful lights and beautiful lanterns! The great interest in lights in the month of December is natural as it is the darkest month of the year.

Again, our teacher Isaiah speaks about the people of Israel as being in the dark because they did not have the “words of the book.” He gave them, however hope that soon they will rejoice for “the blind will see, the meek and the poor will rejoice for the tyrant will be no more.”

His prophecy will be fulfilled when Jesus will be born in the time of the tyrant Herod. The meek and poor, the shepherds of Bethlehem will rejoice in the message of the angels! And the word will be in their midst when the Star from the East will appear to guide the Magi to the crib!

When, therefore, we adorn our houses with fanciful lights and lanterns don’t forget that the true light that dispels the darkness is Jesus! He is the Light that should enlighten our lives! With the blind men of the Gospel we must confess our Faith in Jesus that we might see. Then with the Psalmist we shall sing “The Lord is my light and my salvation!”