Daily Readings - Sat Jun 09 2018
Isaiah
9And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.11For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Luke
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Sermon
The first reading from Isaiah speaks of a people who, having been restored by God, are now recognized among the nations as blessed. They rejoice in the Lord, who has clothed them in salvation and justice. Isaiah uses the imagery of a bride and groom to express the joy and beauty of being transformed by God. The passage concludes with the promise that just as the earth produces its fruit, so too will God bring forth justice and praise for all to see. This is a vision of hope and renewal, reminding us that God’s work in us is always fruitful and visible to others.
The Gospel presents the story of the young Jesus in the temple. At the age of twelve, Jesus remains behind while his parents journey home, unaware of his absence. When they finally find him, he is engaged in deep conversation with the teachers of the law, astonishing them with his understanding. Mary and Joseph are perplexed, and Jesus’ response—“Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house?”—reveals his deep awareness of his mission. This story highlights the tension between Mary and Joseph’s human concern and Jesus’ divine calling. It also shows Mary’s faithfulness in pondering these events in her heart, even when she does not fully understand them.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our place in the world. Isaiah reminds us that we are called to be signs of God’s justice and joy, while the Gospel challenges us to trust in God’s plan, even when it surpasses our understanding. In our daily lives, we are called to balance our responsibilities with a deep commitment to our faith. Like Mary, we must learn to trust and ponder God’s work in us, even in moments of uncertainty. May we, like the young Jesus, remain attentive to the Father’s will and allow His justice and praise to shine through us.