Daily Readings - Sat Jun 25 2022
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 readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of divine favor, faith, and the call to live in harmony with God’s plan. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a beautiful expression of joy and gratitude as the prophet describes the people of God as blessed and adorned with the garments of salvation and justice. This passage is set in the context of Israel’s return from exile, where Isaiah offers hope and assurance that God’s favor will once again rest upon His people. The imagery of a bride and groom adorned in their finest attire symbolizes the restoration and joy that come from being in a right relationship with God.
In the Gospel, we encounter the story of the young Jesus in the temple. This narrative marks a significant moment in Luke’s account of Jesus’ life, as it reveals His deep connection to His Father’s mission even from a young age. Mary and Joseph, though worried and searching for Him, find Jesus engaged in profound conversation with the teachers of the law. His response, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” highlights His singular focus on fulfilling God’s will. This story reminds us that faith is not merely about following traditions or customs but about seeking a deeper understanding of God’s plan for our lives.
These readings challenge us to examine our own relationship with God. Like the people in Isaiah, we are called to recognize the ways in which God has blessed us and to live in gratitude and justice. Like Mary and Joseph, we are invited to trust in God’s plan, even when it is not immediately clear. In our daily lives, this means taking time to reflect on how God is present in our experiences and being open to His guidance. May we, like the young Jesus, seek to grow in wisdom and grace, and may we, like Mary, treasure these moments of insight in our hearts.