Daily Readings - Sun Jul 03 2022
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 encounter themes of comfort, transformation, and mission, woven together by the thread of God's enduring love and purpose.
The first reading from Isaiah 66:10-14 offers a vision of Jerusalem as a place of rejoicing and comfort. Using the metaphor of a nurturing mother, Isaiah conveys God's promise of peace and flourishing for His people. This passage, written in a time of exile and hardship, reminds us that even in difficult times, God's care and consolation are ever-present, like a river of peace.
Paul's letter to the Galatians shifts our focus to the transformative power of Christ. In Galatians 6:14-18, Paul emphasizes that our identity is no longer tied to earthly distinctions but to the new creation in Christ. He bears the marks of Jesus, symbolizing his commitment to this new life. This new creation brings peace and mercy, urging us to live according to God's will, unencumbered by the old ways.
The Gospel from Luke 10:1-9 calls us to action. Jesus sends out 72 disciples, like lambs among wolves, to spread the message of the kingdom. They are to trust in God's provision, living simply and bringing peace to those they meet. This mission is not just for the disciples but for us today, reminding us to trust in God's plan and to share the Good News with humility and faith.
These readings connect by highlighting God's comfort and transformation as the foundation for our mission. We are called to embrace our role as bearers of peace and the kingdom, trusting in God's provision and living with simplicity and humility. May we, like the disciples, go forth with faith, bringing healing and the message of God's kingdom to a world in need.