Daily Readings - Sat May 31 2025

First Reading - Zephaniah 3.14-18 or Romans 12.9-16

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 1

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

In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of joy, hope, and God's transformative presence. The first reading from Zephaniah invites us to rejoice, for God has removed judgment and fear, dwelling among His people as their strength and savior. This prophetic text, set in a time of distress, offers a vision of redemption where God's presence brings comfort and salvation. The Gospel from Luke recounts the Visitation, where Mary's encounter with Elizabeth sparks a joyful celebration of God's mercy. Mary's Magnificat, a hymn of praise, highlights themes of humility, divine greatness, and the reversal of fortunes, reflecting trust in God's plan. These readings connect through their emphasis on joy and God's intervention. Zephaniah's prophecy of God's presence among His people finds fulfillment in Luke, where the Holy Spirit's presence ignites joy in Elizabeth and Mary. Both texts illustrate God's preference for the humble and the marginalized, showing His mercy and power to transform lives. This connection reminds us that our faith is rooted in a God who is ever-present and actively involved in our lives. Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's plan, especially during challenging times. Like Mary and Elizabeth, we can find joy in recognizing God's presence and mercy. The readings encourage us to embrace humility and service, trusting that God's greatness will uplift us. Let us reflect on how we can live with such faith, allowing God's joy and peace to transform our hearts and actions, just as He did for those who trusted Him.