St. Nicholas, bishop 

＊＊＊ 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  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  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：

“SON OF DAVID,HAVE PITY ON ME.”

 To really hear and see the wondrous things of the Lord, we need to have faith. The two blind men have this when they called out to Jesus. When they approached the Lord, Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord!” Without their total trust and faith in him, Jesus cannot do anything for them. Their sight was restored.

But, more than this, their life was redeemed and they were able to see clearly the content of their faith: Jesus, the Messiah! Their life of gloom and darkness has been filled now with light and joy. Their joy was so overwhelming that they could not contain it. And so they shared and spread the Good News of Salvation they received.

We are reminded of our own blindness and our need for God. How many times have I become deaf and blind of the presence of Jesus in my life? Christmas is all about recognizing that Jesus was born for us to see and appreciate how great and marvelous is the love of God for humanity.

Seek Jesus in others. Share Jesus with others and your Christmas would be filled with many wonderful things of the Lord.