Daily Readings - Sat Jun 20 2020
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 paints a vivid picture of a people restored and blessed by God, their identity as God’s chosen ones visible to all nations. The prophet speaks of rejoicing in the Lord, who has clothed them in salvation and justice, likening the people to a bride and groom adorned for a grand celebration. This passage is set in the context of Israel’s exile and return, offering hope and assurance that God’s justice and praise will be made manifest to all. It’s a declaration of God’s transformative power and His promise to renew His people.
In the Gospel, we encounter the young Jesus in the temple, where He astonishes the scholars with His understanding and responses. This story from Luke is often seen as a glimpse into Jesus’ early life, highlighting His deep connection to His Father’s mission. Mary and Joseph, though initially worried and confused, come to understand that Jesus is about His Father’s business. This passage reminds us that even in moments of uncertainty, trusting in God’s plan and seeking Him with perseverance can lead to profound encounters with His will.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God. Like the people in Isaiah, we are called to recognize ourselves as blessed and clothed in God’s justice, living in a way that reflects His presence in our lives. Like Mary and Joseph, we are called to seek God diligently, even when the path is unclear. Today, let us ask ourselves: Are we attentive to God’s voice in our lives? Are we trusting in His plan, even when it challenges our understanding? May we, like the young Jesus, be about our Father’s business, and may we, like Mary, keep God’s words in our hearts, pondering them deeply.