Daily Readings - Wed May 31 2023
First Reading - Zephaniah 3.14-18 or Romans 12.9-16
Zephaniah
14Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!15The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.16On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: "Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak.17The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.18I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach.
Romans
9Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.11Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.12Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.13Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited.
Luke
39In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,40and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.41And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,42and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!43And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.45And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."46And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;49for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.50And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;52he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;53he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,55as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever."56And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of joy, hope, and the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives. In the first reading from Zephaniah, the prophet calls the people of Zion to rejoice because God has removed their judgment and is now in their midst as their strength and salvation. This passage is set in a time when Jerusalem was facing judgment and uncertainty, but Zephaniah offers a message of hope: God’s presence brings comfort, peace, and deliverance. The prophet reminds us that even in the darkest times, God’s love and mercy can turn our fears into joy and our despair into exultation.
The Gospel reading from Luke presents the beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, a moment of profound faith and joy. Mary, carrying Jesus in her womb, visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is carrying John the Baptist. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the blessedness of Mary and the fruit of her womb. Mary’s response, known as the Magnificat, is a hymn of praise that reflects her deep trust in God’s plan and her humility. She acknowledges God’s greatness and the way he lifts up the lowly, fills the hungry, and remembers his mercy toward his people. This passage reminds us that faith is not just about believing in God’s promises but also about trusting in his providence and rejoicing in his presence.
Both readings remind us that our relationship with God is rooted in trust and joy. Zephaniah calls us to rejoice because God is in our midst, and Mary’s Magnificat shows us how to praise God even in the midst of uncertainty. In our daily lives, we are often faced with challenges and fears, but these readings encourage us to turn to God with faith and hope. Like Mary, we can magnify the Lord and trust that he will accomplish great things in us. Let us allow God’s presence to fill us with joy and strength, and may we, like Elizabeth, recognize the blessings of those around us. In doing so, we become witnesses of God’s mercy and love, living out our faith with humility and gratitude.