Daily Readings - Sun Jul 07 2019
Isaiah
10"Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her;11that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance."12For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees.13As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.14You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and the hand of the LORD shall be known to his servants, and he shall show his indignation against his enemies.
Galatians
14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.15For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.16And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.17From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
Luke
1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.2And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.3Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.4Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.5Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!'6And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.7And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.8Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.9Heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come 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.