Daily Readings - Sun Aug 24 2025
Isaiah
18"And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory.19"I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations-to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations.20And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD -on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels," says the LORD. "They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels.21And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites," says the LORD.
Hebrews
5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.13"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Luke
22Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.23Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"24He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'"But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'26"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'27"But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'28"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s universal call to salvation and the importance of living a life of faith, discipline, and perseverance. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear of God’s plan to gather all nations and languages, sending forth those who have been saved to proclaim His glory to the ends of the earth. This passage emphasizes God’s desire to include everyone in His kingdom, highlighting the universal nature of salvation. It also reminds us that we, as believers, are called to be instruments of God’s grace, sharing His glory with others.
The second reading from Hebrews provides a complementary message about the role of discipline in the Christian life. The author reminds us that God’s correction is a sign of His love, just as a father disciplines his children. While discipline may be uncomfortable in the moment, it ultimately leads to peace and justice. This teaching challenges us to embrace trials and difficulties as opportunities for growth, trusting that God is shaping us into the people He calls us to be.
In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of entering through the narrow gate, warning that many will seek to enter the kingdom but will not be able. This passage is not meant to instill fear but to encourage us to examine our lives and ensure that we are living in accordance with God’s will. It reminds us that mere familiarity with God is not enough; we must actively strive to follow Him and live out our faith. The image of people coming from all directions to recline at table in the kingdom of God aligns with Isaiah’s vision of a universal gathering, reinforcing the idea that God’s salvation is for all people.
These readings call us to live with purpose and intentionality. We are to embrace the discipline of faith, trusting that God’s correction and guidance are for our good. At the same time, we are to share God’s glory with others, recognizing that His kingdom is open to all. Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate, living lives of love, perseverance, and fidelity to God’s will. In doing so, we become part of the great gathering of all nations in God’s holy mountain, where we will feast together in His presence.