Daily Readings - Sat Jun 20 2020
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 paints a vivid picture of a people restored and blessed by God, their identity as God’s chosen ones visible to all nations. The prophet speaks of rejoicing in the Lord, who has clothed them in salvation and justice, likening the people to a bride and groom adorned for a grand celebration. This passage is set in the context of Israel’s exile and return, offering hope and assurance that God’s justice and praise will be made manifest to all. It’s a declaration of God’s transformative power and His promise to renew His people.
In the Gospel, we encounter the young Jesus in the temple, where He astonishes the scholars with His understanding and responses. This story from Luke is often seen as a glimpse into Jesus’ early life, highlighting His deep connection to His Father’s mission. Mary and Joseph, though initially worried and confused, come to understand that Jesus is about His Father’s business. This passage reminds us that even in moments of uncertainty, trusting in God’s plan and seeking Him with perseverance can lead to profound encounters with His will.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God. Like the people in Isaiah, we are called to recognize ourselves as blessed and clothed in God’s justice, living in a way that reflects His presence in our lives. Like Mary and Joseph, we are called to seek God diligently, even when the path is unclear. Today, let us ask ourselves: Are we attentive to God’s voice in our lives? Are we trusting in His plan, even when it challenges our understanding? May we, like the young Jesus, be about our Father’s business, and may we, like Mary, keep God’s words in our hearts, pondering them deeply.