Daily Readings - Sat Jun 17 2023
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
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of divine presence and purpose. The first reading from Isaiah 61:9-11 speaks of a people blessed by God, recognized among the nations, and clothed in salvation and justice. This passage, written during the exile, offers hope of restoration through the Messiah, who will bring justice and praise to all nations. The Gospel from Luke 2:41-51 presents a young Jesus, at just twelve years old, in the temple engaging scholars, embodying his dedication to his Father's work. His parents, after a frantic search, find him, highlighting the tension between human concern and divine mission.
These readings connect through themes of seeking and finding God. Isaiah's vision of a blessed people and Luke's narrative of Jesus in the temple illustrate God's active presence in our lives. Just as Jesus's parents sought him diligently, we are called to seek God with similar urgency and faith. The temple scene reminds us that God's ways may not always align with our expectations, yet He is always present, guiding us.
In our daily lives, this calls us to trust in God's plan, even when uncertain. Like Mary, we can reflect on God's words and actions, keeping them in our hearts. The moral lesson here is one of faith and trust—seeking God diligently, as Mary and Joseph did, and remaining open to His presence in unexpected places. Let us embrace this journey of seeking and finding, trusting in God's divine plan.