Daily Readings - Sun Aug 24 2025
Isaiah
18"For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory,19and I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.20And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the LORD, on horses and in chariots and in litters and on mules and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the LORD, just as the Israelites bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD.21And some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites, says the LORD.
Hebrews
5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?11For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.12Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,13and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Luke
22He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem.23And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them,24"Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.25When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.'26Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.'27But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!'28In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out.29And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.30And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s universal call to salvation and the importance of living a life of faith, discipline, and perseverance. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear of God’s plan to gather all nations and languages, sending forth those who have been saved to proclaim His glory to the ends of the earth. This passage emphasizes God’s desire to include everyone in His kingdom, highlighting the universal nature of salvation. It also reminds us that we, as believers, are called to be instruments of God’s grace, sharing His glory with others.
The second reading from Hebrews provides a complementary message about the role of discipline in the Christian life. The author reminds us that God’s correction is a sign of His love, just as a father disciplines his children. While discipline may be uncomfortable in the moment, it ultimately leads to peace and justice. This teaching challenges us to embrace trials and difficulties as opportunities for growth, trusting that God is shaping us into the people He calls us to be.
In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of entering through the narrow gate, warning that many will seek to enter the kingdom but will not be able. This passage is not meant to instill fear but to encourage us to examine our lives and ensure that we are living in accordance with God’s will. It reminds us that mere familiarity with God is not enough; we must actively strive to follow Him and live out our faith. The image of people coming from all directions to recline at table in the kingdom of God aligns with Isaiah’s vision of a universal gathering, reinforcing the idea that God’s salvation is for all people.
These readings call us to live with purpose and intentionality. We are to embrace the discipline of faith, trusting that God’s correction and guidance are for our good. At the same time, we are to share God’s glory with others, recognizing that His kingdom is open to all. Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate, living lives of love, perseverance, and fidelity to God’s will. In doing so, we become part of the great gathering of all nations in God’s holy mountain, where we will feast together in His presence.