Daily Readings - Sat Jun 12 2021
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 who have been blessed by God and who will be recognized among the nations for their offspring and progeny. The prophet describes a scene of rejoicing and exultation, where the people are clothed in the vestments of salvation and wrapped in the clothing of justice. This imagery speaks of a deep transformation, where God’s people are not only restored but also adorned with the beauty of His righteousness. The passage concludes with a promise that just as the earth brings forth its seedlings, so too will God bring forth justice and praise in the sight of all nations.
The Gospel reading from Luke tells the story of the young Jesus, who at the age of twelve, remains in the temple while His parents journey back home. This narrative highlights Jesus’ deep connection to His Father’s work, as He engages with the teachers in the temple, astonishing them with His understanding and responses. When Mary and Joseph finally find Him, Jesus’ response, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” reveals His singular focus on His divine mission. Despite their misunderstanding, Mary keeps these words in her heart, reflecting on the mystery of her Son’s identity and purpose.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God and His plan for our lives. Isaiah reminds us that we are called to be a people clothed in salvation and justice, bearing fruit in the sight of all. Luke’s account of the young Jesus challenges us to prioritize our relationship with God, even when it requires setting aside our own plans and expectations. Like Mary, we are called to trust in God’s providence and to keep His words in our hearts, allowing them to guide us in our daily lives. May we, like Jesus, remain faithful to our Father’s will, and may our lives bear witness to His justice and praise.