Daily Readings - Mon Jun 24 2019
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 the profound theme of divine calling and purpose. The first reading from Isaiah introduces us to the servant of the Lord, who, despite feeling his efforts are in vain, trusts in God's strength and judgment. This servant is called to restore Israel and be a light to the Gentiles, embodying the Messianic mission that will later be fulfilled in Christ. The reading reminds us that our purpose is not always immediately clear, but faith in God's plan is paramount.
The second reading from Acts and the Gospel from Luke beautifully connect this theme through the figure of John the Baptist. Paul's speech in Acts highlights John's humility and his role as a precursor to Jesus, emphasizing that true greatness lies in preparing the way for the Lord. Luke's account of John's birth illustrates the divine hand guiding his life from the start, as his name, contrary to tradition, signifies his unique mission. John's growth in the wilderness symbolizes the preparation and solitude necessary for fulfilling one's divine calling.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own calling and purpose. Like John, we are each called to prepare the way for the Lord in our lives and in the world. This requires humility, trust, and sometimes waiting in solitude. As we navigate our own journeys, let us embrace our roles with faith, trusting that God's plan unfolds in His time. May we, like John, be instruments of preparation, opening hearts to receive the Lord's presence and grace.