Daily Readings - Sat Sep 28 2019
Zechariah
1And I lifted up my eyes, and I saw, and behold, a man, and in his hand was a measuring line2And I said, "Where are you going?" And he said to me, "To measure Jerusalem, so that I may see how great its width and how great its length may be.3And behold, the angel, who had been speaking with me, departed, and another angel went out to meet him4And he said to him: Hurry, speak to this young man, saying: Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls, because of the multitude of men and beasts of burden in its midst5And I will be to it, says the Lord, a wall of fire all around. And in glory, I will be in its midst10Sing praise and rejoice, daughter of Zion. For behold, I approach, and I will dwell in your midst, says the Lord11And many nations will be joined to the Lord in that day, and they will be my people, and I will dwell in your midst. And you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you
Luke
43And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and he healed the boy, and he restored him to his father44And all were astonished at the greatness of God. And as everyone was wondering over all that he was doing, he said to his disciples: "You must set these words in your hearts. For it shall be that the Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men.45But they did not understand this word, and it was concealed from them, so that they did not perceive it. And they were afraid to question him about this word
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound messages that invite us to reflect on trust and hope in God's plan. The first reading from Zechariah presents a vision of Jerusalem without walls, symbolizing a future where God's presence and protection encompass a multitude of people and nations. This vision, set in a post-exilic context, offers hope to a community rebuilding their lives, emphasizing God's promise to dwell among them as a wall of fire, signifying both protection and divine presence.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus, who, after healing a boy, foretells His Passion. The disciples, however, fail to grasp this prediction, highlighting their struggle with the unknown. This scene, occurring in the context of Jesus' ministry, underscores the disciples' fear and lack of understanding, serving as a moment of tension and anticipation.
Both readings connect through the theme of trust amidst uncertainty. Zechariah's vision calls us to hope in God's expansive plan, while Luke's narrative reminds us that even in the face of suffering, God's presence remains steadfast. In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when it's unclear. They remind us to face challenges with faith, knowing that God's presence is our constant companion.
The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan and find hope in His presence. Just as Jerusalem was promised protection and expansion, we too are assured of God's guidance and care. Let us embrace this assurance, trusting in His will, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.