Daily Readings - Wed May 31 2023
First Reading - Zephaniah 3.14-18 or Romans 12.9-16
Zephaniah
14Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!15The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.16On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.17The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."18"The sorrows for the appointed feasts I will remove from you; they are a burden and a reproach to you.
Romans
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Luke
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"46And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,49for the Mighty One has done great things for me--holy is his name.50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful55to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of joy, hope, and the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives. In the first reading from Zephaniah, the prophet calls the people of Zion to rejoice because God has removed their judgment and is now in their midst as their strength and salvation. This passage is set in a time when Jerusalem was facing judgment and uncertainty, but Zephaniah offers a message of hope: God’s presence brings comfort, peace, and deliverance. The prophet reminds us that even in the darkest times, God’s love and mercy can turn our fears into joy and our despair into exultation.
The Gospel reading from Luke presents the beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, a moment of profound faith and joy. Mary, carrying Jesus in her womb, visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is carrying John the Baptist. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the blessedness of Mary and the fruit of her womb. Mary’s response, known as the Magnificat, is a hymn of praise that reflects her deep trust in God’s plan and her humility. She acknowledges God’s greatness and the way he lifts up the lowly, fills the hungry, and remembers his mercy toward his people. This passage reminds us that faith is not just about believing in God’s promises but also about trusting in his providence and rejoicing in his presence.
Both readings remind us that our relationship with God is rooted in trust and joy. Zephaniah calls us to rejoice because God is in our midst, and Mary’s Magnificat shows us how to praise God even in the midst of uncertainty. In our daily lives, we are often faced with challenges and fears, but these readings encourage us to turn to God with faith and hope. Like Mary, we can magnify the Lord and trust that he will accomplish great things in us. Let us allow God’s presence to fill us with joy and strength, and may we, like Elizabeth, recognize the blessings of those around us. In doing so, we become witnesses of God’s mercy and love, living out our faith with humility and gratitude.