Daily Readings - Thu Jun 24 2021
Isaiah
1Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name.2He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.3He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor."4But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God."5And now the LORD says- he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength-6he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."
Acts
22After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'23"From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.24Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel.25As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'26"Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.
Luke
57When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah,60but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."61They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."62Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.65The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.66Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.80And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of divine calling, trust in God’s plan, and the unfolding of salvation history. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear the voice of the prophet, who humbly acknowledges his role as God’s servant, called from the womb to be a light not only to Israel but to the Gentiles. Though he expresses moments of doubt and weariness, he ultimately places his trust in God’s judgment and strength. This passage reminds us that our purpose is not always immediately clear, but God’s plan is greater than our limited understanding.
In the second reading from Acts, St. Paul connects the dots of salvation history, highlighting God’s faithfulness in raising up leaders like David and ultimately sending Jesus as the Savior. John the Baptist, as mentioned in the reading, prepares the way for Jesus, emphasizing the continuity of God’s plan. This reminds us that we, too, are part of this ongoing story of salvation, called to play our unique role in God’s plan.
The Gospel from Luke brings us to the birth of John the Baptist, a figure who embodies preparation and humility. The wonder of John’s birth and his early dedication to God’s will foreshadow his role as the one who would point others to Jesus. The neighbors’ question, “What will this child be?” invites us to reflect on our own lives: What is the purpose God has entrusted to us, and how are we responding to it?
Today’s readings challenge us to embrace our calling with humility and trust. Like Isaiah, we may face moments of doubt, but God’s plan is always bigger than our own. Like John the Baptist, we are called to prepare the way for others to encounter God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I open to God’s will in my life? Am I trusting in His plan, even when it’s unclear? May we, like the servant in Isaiah, find our strength in God and allow His light to shine through us to a world in need.