Daily Readings - Sun Jun 24 2018
Isaiah
1Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;3And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.4Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.5And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Acts
22And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.23Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:24When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.26Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
Luke
57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.59And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.63And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about divine calling and preparation for God's plan. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a servant chosen by God from the womb, destined to be a light to all nations. This servant, though facing challenges, trusts in God's plan and finds strength in fulfilling His will. The reading from Acts highlights God's faithfulness in raising up leaders like King David and later Jesus, emphasizing John the Baptist's role in preparing the way for the Messiah. The Gospel from Luke narrates the birth of John the Baptist, where his parents' obedience and the miraculous events surrounding his birth signify his special mission.
These readings interweave the themes of divine calling and preparation. Isaiah's servant points to the universal salvation brought by Jesus, while John the Baptist's role, as mentioned in Acts and Luke, is to prepare the hearts of the people for this salvation. John's obedience and the wonder he inspires in others illustrate the impact of being an instrument of God's plan.
In our lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own calling and how we prepare the way for others to encounter God. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we are called to obedience and trust in God's plan, even when it seems unconventional. John's example teaches us the importance of humility and readiness to serve as a bridge for others to experience God's love. As we go about our daily lives, may we embrace our roles as instruments of God's grace, preparing the hearts of those around us to receive His love and light. Let us, like John, be mindful of our mission to clear the path for the Lord, bringing hope and renewal to all we meet.