Daily Readings - Tue Jun 24 2025
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 profound themes of divine vocation and trust in God's plan. The Prophet Isaiah speaks of a servant chosen by God from the womb, destined not only for Israel but as a light to all nations. This servant, despite feeling his efforts are in vain, trusts in God's judgment and purpose. In the Acts of the Apostles, we reflect on King David, a man after God's heart, and John the Baptist, who humbly prepares the way for the Messiah, recognizing his role not as the savior but as a herald of salvation. The Gospel presents John the Baptist's birth, where his naming signifies his mission, and his silence is broken in praise of God, hinting at his future role.
These readings intertwine to illustrate the journey of those called by God. Isaiah's servant and John the Baptist exemplify obedience and trust in divine plans. Both are part of a larger narrative—Isaiah's servant points to the Messiah, while John paves the way for Jesus. Their stories remind us that our roles, though sometimes unclear, are part of God's greater plan.
In our lives, we are called to embrace our vocations with faith, trusting that our efforts, though they may seem insignificant, contribute to God's larger purpose. Like John, we prepare the way for others to encounter Christ. Let us listen to God's call, trust in His plan, and fulfill our roles with humility and faith, knowing that our efforts are part of a greater divine plan.