First Reading
Isaiah 49:1-6
Read this as the first big movement of the day. Notice what God is doing, who is speaking, and what part of the story or teaching should stay with you.
1Give ear, you islands, and hearken, you people from afar. The Lord has called me from the womb, from the bowels of my mother he has been mindful of my name.
2And he has made my mouth like a sharp sword: in the shadow of his hand he has protected me, and has made me as a chosen arrow: in his quiver he has hidden me.
3And he said to me: You art my servant Israel, for in you will I glory.
4And I said: I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength without cause and in vain: therefore my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.
5And now says the Lord, that formed me from the womb to be his servant, that I may bring back Jacob to him, and Israel will not be gathered together: and I am glorified in the eyes of the Lord, and my God is made my strength.
6And he said: It is a small thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Look, I have given you to be the light of the Gentiles, that you mayst be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth.