Daily Readings - Sat Jun 25 2022
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 readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of divine favor, faith, and the call to live in harmony with God’s plan. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a beautiful expression of joy and gratitude as the prophet describes the people of God as blessed and adorned with the garments of salvation and justice. This passage is set in the context of Israel’s return from exile, where Isaiah offers hope and assurance that God’s favor will once again rest upon His people. The imagery of a bride and groom adorned in their finest attire symbolizes the restoration and joy that come from being in a right relationship with God.
In the Gospel, we encounter the story of the young Jesus in the temple. This narrative marks a significant moment in Luke’s account of Jesus’ life, as it reveals His deep connection to His Father’s mission even from a young age. Mary and Joseph, though worried and searching for Him, find Jesus engaged in profound conversation with the teachers of the law. His response, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” highlights His singular focus on fulfilling God’s will. This story reminds us that faith is not merely about following traditions or customs but about seeking a deeper understanding of God’s plan for our lives.
These readings challenge us to examine our own relationship with God. Like the people in Isaiah, we are called to recognize the ways in which God has blessed us and to live in gratitude and justice. Like Mary and Joseph, we are invited to trust in God’s plan, even when it is not immediately clear. In our daily lives, this means taking time to reflect on how God is present in our experiences and being open to His guidance. May we, like the young Jesus, seek to grow in wisdom and grace, and may we, like Mary, treasure these moments of insight in our hearts.