1st Reading – Isaiah 66:18-21
Last week our Old Testament reading was from the Book of Jeremiah. This week we back up some 90 years in history to the year 694 B.C. and hear from the greatest of the prophets, Isaiah. Little is known about Isaiah as all our information comes from his discourses. According to Jewish tradition, he was of royal stock and it is certain that he belonged to the tribe of Judah and lived in Jerusalem. He was married and had two sons. He did not claim to be a prophet in the current sense of the word, but, like many other prophets, he gathered around him a circle of friends and disciples who shared his views and were initiated into his plans. Today we hear from the last chapter of the Book of Isaiah as he tells of a time when foreigners will be at home in God’s house.
2nd Reading – Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
Having heard two weeks ago about the faith of Abraham, a faith of hope and trust – an example of the theological faith that we all should have, last week we began to hear how we are to live out that faith. Our second reading last week ended “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.” Today we continue this lesson.
Gospel – Luke 13:22-30
Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem and His passion. Along the way He taught with parables, performed miracles and preached repentance. This preaching and teaching, accompanied by miracles, caught the attention of those He came in contact with: the Pharisees became indignant because He healed people on the Sabbath, but others heard the clear message of repentance and wished to know that they must do to be saved.
