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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-10)
The prophet Isaiah foresees a new era when the Lord gloriously bursts into creation and rescues Israel. The parched land will blossom while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. The Lord will provide a highway to Zion’s everlasting joy for those he ransomed.
Psalm (146:5-10)
The Psalmist declares happy all those whose hope is in the Lord because he will keep faith forever. He is the almighty creator and the one who lifts up all who are oppressed and brings down all who are wicked. He will reign in Zion forever.
Second Reading (James 5:7-10)
James encourages those looking for the Lord to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings like the prophets of old.
Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)
The imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come. Jesus simply refers to the remarkable things they see, including the healing of the blind, the lame, and the deaf. The least in the kingdom, he says, is greater than even John.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- One day God will set things right at last with the return of Christ
- The way to exaltation is through humility
- Our present perspective on things is extremely limited
- Taking God at his word requires patience and humility in the face of our present experience
- Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has prepared for those who love him, but they will
Based on the Alternative “Psalm”
First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-10)
The prophet Isaiah foresees a new era when the Lord gloriously bursts into creation and rescues Israel. The parched land will blossom while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. The Lord will provide a highway to Zion’s everlasting joy for those he ransomed.
Alternative “Psalm” (Luke 1:46b-55)
In Mary’s Song, the Virgin praises God for raising her to become the mother of the Lord. She proclaims this to be part of the divine pattern of lifting up the humble and humbling the proud, as was promised in the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants.
Second Reading (James 5:7-10)
James encourages those looking for the Lord to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings like the prophets of old.
Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)
The imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come. Jesus simply refers to the remarkable things they see, including the healing of the blind, the lame, and the deaf. The least in the kingdom, he says, is greater than even John.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- One day God will set things right at last with the return of Christ
- The way to exaltation is through humility
- Our present perspective on things is extremely limited
- Taking God at his word requires patience and humility in the face of our present experience
- Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has prepared for those who love him, but they will