Daily Readings - Sat Jun 24 2023
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 remind us of God’s plan and our role within it. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear the voice of the prophet, called by God from the womb, who struggles with the seeming futility of his mission but ultimately trusts in God’s judgment and strength. This servant is not just Isaiah but points to a greater servant, Jesus Christ, who will bring light to all nations. In the second reading from Acts, St. Paul connects the dots of salvation history, highlighting God’s faithfulness in raising up David and then Jesus, the Savior, from his lineage. Finally, in the Gospel, we witness the birth of John the Baptist, whose name signifies God’s grace and whose life is dedicated to preparing the way for the Lord.
These readings are deeply connected. Isaiah’s servant and John the Baptist both point to the same mission: to bring God’s salvation to the world. Isaiah’s struggle with his mission foreshadows John’s humility and recognition of his role as a precursor to Jesus. St. Paul’s reflection in Acts ties it all together, showing how God’s promises unfold over time, culminating in Jesus, the Savior of all people.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own calling and trust in God’s plan. Like Isaiah, we may sometimes feel that our efforts are in vain or that we are not making a difference. Like John the Baptist, we are called to humility and to point others to God, even if we do not see the full fruits of our labor. Let us trust that God’s hand is upon us, guiding us and strengthening us, even when the path is unclear. May we, like these figures, be faithful servants, open to God’s will, and may we bring light and hope to those around us.