Daily Readings - Thu Jun 23 2022
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 calling, trust, and fulfillment. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear the voice of the prophet, who speaks of being called from the womb to serve the Lord. Despite feelings of emptiness and futility, he trusts that his judgment and work are in God’s hands. This passage reminds us that our purpose is not always immediately clear, but God’s plan is bigger than our limited understanding. The prophet’s ultimate mission is to be a light to the Gentiles, showing that God’s salvation extends to all people.
In the second reading from Acts, St. Paul connects the dots between King David, John the Baptist, and Jesus. David, a man after God’s own heart, was chosen to lead Israel, but the true fulfillment of God’s promise comes through Jesus. John the Baptist, humbly preparing the way for the Messiah, reminds us that our role is to point others to Christ. This passage emphasizes that our lives are part of a larger story, and our efforts, though small, contribute to God’s great plan of salvation.
The Gospel from Luke brings us to the birth of John the Baptist, a moment of wonder and awe. Elizabeth’s neighbors marvel at the mercy of God, and Zechariah, once silenced, now speaks in praise of God. John’s name, meaning “God is gracious,” reflects the divine favor at work in his life. As the child grows in the wilderness, we see that God’s hand is upon him, preparing him for his mission. This passage invites us to trust in God’s timing and to recognize the ways He is at work in our lives, even when the path is unclear.
Today’s readings call us to embrace our own calling, whatever it may be, and to trust in God’s providence. Like Isaiah, we may face challenges or feel uncertain about our purpose, but we can take heart in knowing that our efforts are part of a greater plan. Like John the Baptist, we are called to prepare the way for others to encounter Christ. Let us ask for the grace to listen to God’s voice, to trust in His plan, and to fulfill our role in His story of salvation.