Daily Readings - Thu Jun 24 2021
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of divine calling, trust in God’s plan, and the unfolding of salvation history. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear the voice of the prophet, who humbly acknowledges his role as God’s servant, called from the womb to be a light not only to Israel but to the Gentiles. Though he expresses moments of doubt and weariness, he ultimately places his trust in God’s judgment and strength. This passage reminds us that our purpose is not always immediately clear, but God’s plan is greater than our limited understanding.
In the second reading from Acts, St. Paul connects the dots of salvation history, highlighting God’s faithfulness in raising up leaders like David and ultimately sending Jesus as the Savior. John the Baptist, as mentioned in the reading, prepares the way for Jesus, emphasizing the continuity of God’s plan. This reminds us that we, too, are part of this ongoing story of salvation, called to play our unique role in God’s plan.
The Gospel from Luke brings us to the birth of John the Baptist, a figure who embodies preparation and humility. The wonder of John’s birth and his early dedication to God’s will foreshadow his role as the one who would point others to Jesus. The neighbors’ question, “What will this child be?” invites us to reflect on our own lives: What is the purpose God has entrusted to us, and how are we responding to it?
Today’s readings challenge us to embrace our calling with humility and trust. Like Isaiah, we may face moments of doubt, but God’s plan is always bigger than our own. Like John the Baptist, we are called to prepare the way for others to encounter God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I open to God’s will in my life? Am I trusting in His plan, even when it’s unclear? May we, like the servant in Isaiah, find our strength in God and allow His light to shine through us to a world in need.