The first reading continues the prophecy of Isaiah on the theme of Israel as the chosen Servant of the Lord. Although Israel may be in exile and, therefore, considered by other nations a "poor worm" or a "puny mite" there is no reason to fear. God is Israel's redeemer. This can be seen in the prophecy of the transformation of Israel into a "threshing-sled" that will "thresh and crush the mountains" and "turn the hills into chaff." In addition, the desert will be transformed with water for the needy. The transformation, however, is also for the Gentiles, so that they will recognise the work of the Holy One of Israel.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus not only identifies John Baptist as a prophet but also proclaims him as the fulfilment of Malachi, the prophet who will precede the coming of God's kingdom (Malachi 3:1). Jesus also refers to John as Elijah since the Jews believe that God would send Elijah the prophet from heaven before the day of the Lord comes. John the Baptist for all his greatness, however, will not inaugurated the coming of God's kingdom. It is Jesus who will do this. Nonetheless, John's imprisonment constitutes a violent attack against the coming kingdom. Jesus points out that who oppose the preaching of John and of Jesus about the kingdom, oppose the kingdom itself. The readings today remind us that no human plan or human devise can prevent God's plan and his kingdom from coming to fulfilment. God's plans will not be thwarted.