Daily Readings - Sat May 31 2025
First Reading - Zephaniah 3.14-18 or Romans 12.9-16
Zephaniah
14Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.15The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.16In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.17The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.18I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
Romans
9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Luke
39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.50And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.51He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.54He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;55As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.56And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of joy, hope, and God's transformative presence. The first reading from Zephaniah invites us to rejoice, for God has removed judgment and fear, dwelling among His people as their strength and savior. This prophetic text, set in a time of distress, offers a vision of redemption where God's presence brings comfort and salvation. The Gospel from Luke recounts the Visitation, where Mary's encounter with Elizabeth sparks a joyful celebration of God's mercy. Mary's Magnificat, a hymn of praise, highlights themes of humility, divine greatness, and the reversal of fortunes, reflecting trust in God's plan.
These readings connect through their emphasis on joy and God's intervention. Zephaniah's prophecy of God's presence among His people finds fulfillment in Luke, where the Holy Spirit's presence ignites joy in Elizabeth and Mary. Both texts illustrate God's preference for the humble and the marginalized, showing His mercy and power to transform lives. This connection reminds us that our faith is rooted in a God who is ever-present and actively involved in our lives.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's plan, especially during challenging times. Like Mary and Elizabeth, we can find joy in recognizing God's presence and mercy. The readings encourage us to embrace humility and service, trusting that God's greatness will uplift us. Let us reflect on how we can live with such faith, allowing God's joy and peace to transform our hearts and actions, just as He did for those who trusted Him.