Daily Readings - Sun Jul 06 2025
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 powerful messages of hope, transformation, and mission. The first reading from Isaiah invites us to rejoice with Jerusalem, promising consolation and abundance from God's glory. This passage, written to exiles, offers comfort and the hope of restoration, emphasizing God's nurturing care. The second reading from Galatians, part of Paul's letter, underscores the significance of the cross of Christ, where true glory lies. Paul highlights that in Christ, old distinctions fade, and a new creation emerges, calling believers to live in peace and mercy. The Gospel from Luke narrates Jesus sending out 72 disciples, instructing them to trust in God's providence as they spread the kingdom's message, relying on the hospitality of others and focusing on their mission.
These readings interweave themes of divine care and transformative faith. Isaiah's consolation and Galatians' new creation both reflect the hope and renewal found in Christ, which Luke's passage extends into active mission. Together, they illustrate God's enduring care and the call to embody the new life in Christ.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's providence, find joy in His consolation, and actively participate in spreading His message. The moral lesson is clear: live as new creations in Christ, trusting in His care and embracing the mission to share His love with others.