Daily Readings - Sun Jul 07 2019
Isaiah
10"Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her.11For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance."12For this is what the LORD says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees.13As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."14When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes.
Galatians
14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.16Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.17Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
Luke
1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.3Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.4Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.5"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.'6If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.7Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.8"When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you.9Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'
Sermon
In today's readings, we find a powerful message of hope, transformation, and mission. The prophet Isaiah invites us to rejoice with Jerusalem, promising consolation and a river of peace. This passage, written during the restoration after exile, offers comfort to a people returning to their homeland, reminding us that God's presence brings renewal and joy.
Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, shifts our focus to the cross of Christ, where true glory resides. He emphasizes that in Christ, old distinctions fade, and a new creation emerges. This context addresses the tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers, urging us to find our identity in Christ rather than outward signs. Paul's stigmata symbolize his commitment to this new life, calling us to embrace our own transformation in Christ.
The Gospel of Luke challenges us to trust in God's providence as we are sent out like lambs among wolves. Jesus' disciples are to rely on the hospitality of others, bringing peace, healing, and the proclamation of the kingdom. This mission reflects our call to live out our faith, trusting in God's plan and serving others selflessly.
These readings weave together themes of hope, new life, and mission. Isaiah's comfort, Paul's transformation, and Luke's call to service remind us to trust in God's plan and live out our faith with hope. In our daily lives, this means embracing our role as servants of the Gospel, trusting in God's provision, and finding joy in serving others. Let us live with hope, trusting in God's plan, and serve others as part of our faith journey.