Daily Readings - Sun Jul 07 2019

¹⁰Rejoice with Jerusalem, and exult in her, all you who love her! Rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her¹¹So may you nurse and be filled, from the breasts of her consolations. So may you receive milk and overflow with delights, from every portion of her glory¹²For thus says the Lord: Behold, I will turn a river of peace toward her, with an inundating torrent: the glory of the Gentiles, from which you will nurse. You will be carried at the breasts, and they will caress you upon the knees¹³In the manner of one whom a mother caresses, so will I console you. And you will be consoled in Jerusalem¹⁴You will see, and your heart will be glad, and your bones will flourish like a plant, and the hand of the Lord will be known to his servants, and he will be angry with his enemies

Galatians

Chapter 6

¹⁴But far be it from me to glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world¹⁵For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision prevails in any way, but instead there is a new creature¹⁶And whoever follows this rule: may peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God¹⁷Concerning other matters, let no one trouble me. For I carry the stigmata of the Lord Jesus in my body¹⁸May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen

Luke

Chapter 10

¹Then, after these things, the Lord also designated another seventy-two. And he sent them in pairs before his face, into every city and place where he was to arrive²And he said to them: "Certainly the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest³Go forth. Behold, I send you out like lambs among wolves⁴Do not choose to carry a purse, nor provisions, nor shoes; and you shall greet no one along the way⁵Into whatever house you will have entered, first say, ‘Peace to this house.⁶And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you⁷And remain in the same house, eating and drinking the things that are with them. For the worker is worthy of his pay. Do not choose to pass from house to house⁸And into whatever city you have entered and they have received you, eat what they set before you⁹And cure the sick who are in that place, and proclaim to them, ‘The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.

Sermon

In today's readings, we find a powerful message of hope, transformation, and mission. The prophet Isaiah invites us to rejoice with Jerusalem, promising consolation and a river of peace. This passage, written during the restoration after exile, offers comfort to a people returning to their homeland, reminding us that God's presence brings renewal and joy. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, shifts our focus to the cross of Christ, where true glory resides. He emphasizes that in Christ, old distinctions fade, and a new creation emerges. This context addresses the tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers, urging us to find our identity in Christ rather than outward signs. Paul's stigmata symbolize his commitment to this new life, calling us to embrace our own transformation in Christ. The Gospel of Luke challenges us to trust in God's providence as we are sent out like lambs among wolves. Jesus' disciples are to rely on the hospitality of others, bringing peace, healing, and the proclamation of the kingdom. This mission reflects our call to live out our faith, trusting in God's plan and serving others selflessly. These readings weave together themes of hope, new life, and mission. Isaiah's comfort, Paul's transformation, and Luke's call to service remind us to trust in God's plan and live out our faith with hope. In our daily lives, this means embracing our role as servants of the Gospel, trusting in God's provision, and finding joy in serving others. Let us live with hope, trusting in God's plan, and serve others as part of our faith journey.