Daily Readings - Sat Jun 08 2024
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 calling and faithful response. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a prophetic message of hope and joy, where the people of God are clothed in the garments of salvation and justice. This passage is part of a larger section in Isaiah often associated with the Messiah, emphasizing the restoration and blessings that God will bestow upon his people. The imagery of the bride and groom, along with the fertile earth producing its seedlings, underscores the fruitful and joyful nature of God’s work among his people.
In the Gospel, we encounter the story of the young Jesus in the temple. This narrative is a pivotal moment in Luke’s account, highlighting Jesus’ early awareness of his divine mission. While his parents initially fail to understand his actions, Mary’s question and Jesus’ response reveal the deeper spiritual reality at play. Jesus’ statement about being in his Father’s house points to his unique relationship with God and his mission to fulfill the Father’s will. The fact that Mary keeps these words in her heart suggests a growing understanding and acceptance of the mysterious plan unfolding before her.
These readings remind us that our lives are part of a larger divine plan. Like the young Jesus, we are called to discern and fulfill our mission, trusting in God’s providence even when the path is unclear. As we go about our daily lives, may we remain attentive to God’s voice, nurtured by prayer and reflection, and faithful in living out our calling. Let us, like Mary, keep the words of God in our hearts, allowing them to guide us in times of joy and uncertainty alike.