Daily Readings - Mon Jun 24 2019
Isaiah
1Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.2He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.3And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified."4But I said, "I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God."5And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him--for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength--6he says: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Acts
22And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'23Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.24Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'26"Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.
Luke
57Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son.58And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.59And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father,60but his mother answered, "No; he shall be called John."61And they said to her, "None of your relatives is called by this name."62And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called.63And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered.64And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.65And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea,66and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.80And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter the profound theme of divine calling and purpose. The first reading from Isaiah introduces us to the servant of the Lord, who, despite feeling his efforts are in vain, trusts in God's strength and judgment. This servant is called to restore Israel and be a light to the Gentiles, embodying the Messianic mission that will later be fulfilled in Christ. The reading reminds us that our purpose is not always immediately clear, but faith in God's plan is paramount.
The second reading from Acts and the Gospel from Luke beautifully connect this theme through the figure of John the Baptist. Paul's speech in Acts highlights John's humility and his role as a precursor to Jesus, emphasizing that true greatness lies in preparing the way for the Lord. Luke's account of John's birth illustrates the divine hand guiding his life from the start, as his name, contrary to tradition, signifies his unique mission. John's growth in the wilderness symbolizes the preparation and solitude necessary for fulfilling one's divine calling.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own calling and purpose. Like John, we are each called to prepare the way for the Lord in our lives and in the world. This requires humility, trust, and sometimes waiting in solitude. As we navigate our own journeys, let us embrace our roles with faith, trusting that God's plan unfolds in His time. May we, like John, be instruments of preparation, opening hearts to receive the Lord's presence and grace.