Daily Readings - Mon Jun 24 2024
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
In today's readings, we encounter three distinct yet interconnected narratives that illuminate the theme of divine calling and mission. The first reading from Isaiah introduces us to a prophet who, from the womb, is called to be a light to the Gentiles. Despite initial doubts, he finds strength in God's assurance, recognizing his role in a larger plan. The second reading from Acts, spoken by Paul, bridges the Old Testament prophecy with the New Testament reality. Paul highlights King David and the lineage of Jesus, emphasizing John the Baptist's role as a precursor to the Messiah. The Gospel from Luke vividly portrays the birth of John the Baptist, where his naming signifies his unique mission, and his growth in the wilderness prepares him for his divine role.
These readings weave together the tapestry of God's plan, revealing a progression from prophecy to fulfillment. Isaiah's servant becomes the light to the nations, John the Baptist prepares the way, and Jesus embodies the salvation. Each figure humbly accepts their calling, trusting in God's plan despite uncertainties. Their stories remind us that our lives are part of a larger narrative, where our unique callings contribute to God's greater purpose.
In our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on our own callings. Like Isaiah, we may doubt our abilities, but God's assurance can strengthen us. Like John, we may face unexpected paths, yet our trust in God's plan can guide us. As we navigate our own missions, whether in family, work, or community, we are reminded to stay open to God's voice and trust in His timing. Let us embrace our roles with humility and courage, knowing that our efforts, however small they may seem, are part of a grander divine plan. In doing so, we become lights in the world, reflecting God's love and grace to all.