Daily Readings - Sat Jun 09 2018
Isaiah
9And they will know their offspring among the nations, and their progeny in the midst of the peoples. All who see them will recognize them: that these are the offspring whom the Lord has blessed10I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, and my soul will exult in my God. For he has clothed me with the vestments of salvation, and he has wrapped me in the clothing of justice, like a groom arrayed with a crown, and like a bride adorned with her jewels11For as the earth brings forth its seedlings and the garden produces its seeds, so will the Lord God bring forth justice and praise in the sight of all the nations
Luke
41And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the time of the solemnity of Passover42And when he had become twelve years old, they ascended to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast day43And having completed the days, when they returned, the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And his parents did not realize this44But, supposing that he was in the company, they went a day’s journey, seeking him among their relatives and acquaintances45And not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him46And it happened that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, listening to them and questioning them47But all who listened to him were astonished over his prudence and his responses48And upon seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: "Son, why have you acted this way toward us? Behold, your father and I were seeking you in sorrow.49And he said to them: "How is it that you were seeking me? For did you not know that it is necessary for me to be in these things which are of my Father?50And they did not understand the word that he spoke to them51And he descended with them and went to Nazareth. And he was subordinate to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart
Sermon
The first reading from Isaiah speaks of a people who, having been restored by God, are now recognized among the nations as blessed. They rejoice in the Lord, who has clothed them in salvation and justice. Isaiah uses the imagery of a bride and groom to express the joy and beauty of being transformed by God. The passage concludes with the promise that just as the earth produces its fruit, so too will God bring forth justice and praise for all to see. This is a vision of hope and renewal, reminding us that God’s work in us is always fruitful and visible to others.
The Gospel presents the story of the young Jesus in the temple. At the age of twelve, Jesus remains behind while his parents journey home, unaware of his absence. When they finally find him, he is engaged in deep conversation with the teachers of the law, astonishing them with his understanding. Mary and Joseph are perplexed, and Jesus’ response—“Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house?”—reveals his deep awareness of his mission. This story highlights the tension between Mary and Joseph’s human concern and Jesus’ divine calling. It also shows Mary’s faithfulness in pondering these events in her heart, even when she does not fully understand them.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our place in the world. Isaiah reminds us that we are called to be signs of God’s justice and joy, while the Gospel challenges us to trust in God’s plan, even when it surpasses our understanding. In our daily lives, we are called to balance our responsibilities with a deep commitment to our faith. Like Mary, we must learn to trust and ponder God’s work in us, even in moments of uncertainty. May we, like the young Jesus, remain attentive to the Father’s will and allow His justice and praise to shine through us.