Daily Readings - Thu Jun 23 2022
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 calling, trust, and fulfillment. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear the voice of the prophet, who speaks of being called from the womb to serve the Lord. Despite feelings of emptiness and futility, he trusts that his judgment and work are in God’s hands. This passage reminds us that our purpose is not always immediately clear, but God’s plan is bigger than our limited understanding. The prophet’s ultimate mission is to be a light to the Gentiles, showing that God’s salvation extends to all people.
In the second reading from Acts, St. Paul connects the dots between King David, John the Baptist, and Jesus. David, a man after God’s own heart, was chosen to lead Israel, but the true fulfillment of God’s promise comes through Jesus. John the Baptist, humbly preparing the way for the Messiah, reminds us that our role is to point others to Christ. This passage emphasizes that our lives are part of a larger story, and our efforts, though small, contribute to God’s great plan of salvation.
The Gospel from Luke brings us to the birth of John the Baptist, a moment of wonder and awe. Elizabeth’s neighbors marvel at the mercy of God, and Zechariah, once silenced, now speaks in praise of God. John’s name, meaning “God is gracious,” reflects the divine favor at work in his life. As the child grows in the wilderness, we see that God’s hand is upon him, preparing him for his mission. This passage invites us to trust in God’s timing and to recognize the ways He is at work in our lives, even when the path is unclear.
Today’s readings call us to embrace our own calling, whatever it may be, and to trust in God’s providence. Like Isaiah, we may face challenges or feel uncertain about our purpose, but we can take heart in knowing that our efforts are part of a greater plan. Like John the Baptist, we are called to prepare the way for others to encounter Christ. Let us ask for the grace to listen to God’s voice, to trust in His plan, and to fulfill our role in His story of salvation.