Daily Readings - Sun Jul 07 2019
Isaiah
10Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:11That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.12For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.13As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.14And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.
Galatians
14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Luke
1After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.2Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.6And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.7And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.8And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:9And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we find a powerful message of hope, transformation, and mission. The prophet Isaiah invites us to rejoice with Jerusalem, promising consolation and a river of peace. This passage, written during the restoration after exile, offers comfort to a people returning to their homeland, reminding us that God's presence brings renewal and joy.
Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, shifts our focus to the cross of Christ, where true glory resides. He emphasizes that in Christ, old distinctions fade, and a new creation emerges. This context addresses the tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers, urging us to find our identity in Christ rather than outward signs. Paul's stigmata symbolize his commitment to this new life, calling us to embrace our own transformation in Christ.
The Gospel of Luke challenges us to trust in God's providence as we are sent out like lambs among wolves. Jesus' disciples are to rely on the hospitality of others, bringing peace, healing, and the proclamation of the kingdom. This mission reflects our call to live out our faith, trusting in God's plan and serving others selflessly.
These readings weave together themes of hope, new life, and mission. Isaiah's comfort, Paul's transformation, and Luke's call to service remind us to trust in God's plan and live out our faith with hope. In our daily lives, this means embracing our role as servants of the Gospel, trusting in God's provision, and finding joy in serving others. Let us live with hope, trusting in God's plan, and serve others as part of our faith journey.