Daily Readings - Mon Sep 30 2019
Zechariah
1And the word of the Lord of hosts came, saying2Thus says the Lord of hosts: I have been zealous for Zion with a great zeal, and with a great indignation have I been zealous for her3Thus says the Lord of hosts: I have been turned back towards Zion, and I will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And Jerusalem will be called: "The City of Truth," and "The Mountain of the Lord of Hosts, the Sanctified Mountain.4Thus says the Lord of hosts: Then elderly men and elderly women will dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man will be with his walking stick in his hand, because of the multitude of days5And the streets of the city will be filled with toddlers and children, playing in its streets6Thus says the Lord of hosts: If it seems difficult in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, could it indeed be difficult in my eyes, says the Lord of hosts7Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the land of the East, and from the land of the setting of the sun8And I will lead them, and they will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they will be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in justice
Luke
46Now an idea entered into them, as to which of them was greater47But Jesus, perceiving the thoughts of their hearts, took a child and stood him beside him48And he said to them: "Whoever will receive this child in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives him who sent me. For whoever is the lesser among you all, the same is greater.49And responding, John said: "Teacher, we saw a certain one casting out demons in your name. And we prohibited him, for he does not follow with us.50And Jesus said to him: "Do not prohibit him. For whoever is not against you, is for you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s promise of restoration, humility, and the call to live as a community centered on love and service. In the first reading from Zechariah, we hear a vision of a restored Jerusalem, where the elderly and children alike live in peace and prosperity. This is a prophecy of hope, spoken to a people who had endured exile and hardship. Zechariah emphasizes that God’s zeal for Zion will bring about a city of truth and holiness, where God dwells among his people. The prophet assures us that even when challenges seem insurmountable, God’s power and faithfulness will prevail, saving his people and bringing them home.
In the Gospel, Luke presents a scene where the disciples are consumed by an argument about who is the greatest. Jesus, perceiving their pride, uses a child to teach them a profound lesson. He says that whoever humbles themselves like a child and receives the vulnerable in his name receives Jesus himself. This teaching is both a rebuke of the disciples’ ambition and a call to humility. Jesus then expands this lesson when John expresses concern about someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name but not following the disciples. Jesus responds by saying, “Do not prohibit him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” This reminds us that God’s work is not confined to our own circles or plans; it is often done through unexpected people and in unexpected ways.
These readings remind us that our lives as Christians are not about power, status, or control. They are about humility, openness, and trust in God’s plan. Like the disciples, we often get caught up in our own ambitions and limitations, but Jesus calls us to something greater: to receive the vulnerable, to trust in God’s providence, and to recognize that his work is bigger than our own understanding. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are we open to seeing God’s presence in unexpected places? Are we willing to let go of our pride and serve others with humility? May we learn to live as a community that reflects God’s truth, justice, and love, trusting that he will bring about his promises even when the path seems difficult.