Daily Readings - Sun Jul 03 2022
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 encounter themes of comfort, transformation, and mission, woven together by the thread of God's enduring love and purpose.
The first reading from Isaiah 66:10-14 offers a vision of Jerusalem as a place of rejoicing and comfort. Using the metaphor of a nurturing mother, Isaiah conveys God's promise of peace and flourishing for His people. This passage, written in a time of exile and hardship, reminds us that even in difficult times, God's care and consolation are ever-present, like a river of peace.
Paul's letter to the Galatians shifts our focus to the transformative power of Christ. In Galatians 6:14-18, Paul emphasizes that our identity is no longer tied to earthly distinctions but to the new creation in Christ. He bears the marks of Jesus, symbolizing his commitment to this new life. This new creation brings peace and mercy, urging us to live according to God's will, unencumbered by the old ways.
The Gospel from Luke 10:1-9 calls us to action. Jesus sends out 72 disciples, like lambs among wolves, to spread the message of the kingdom. They are to trust in God's provision, living simply and bringing peace to those they meet. This mission is not just for the disciples but for us today, reminding us to trust in God's plan and to share the Good News with humility and faith.
These readings connect by highlighting God's comfort and transformation as the foundation for our mission. We are called to embrace our role as bearers of peace and the kingdom, trusting in God's provision and living with simplicity and humility. May we, like the disciples, go forth with faith, bringing healing and the message of God's kingdom to a world in need.