Daily Readings - Mon Sep 27 2021
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
In today's readings, we are presented with visions of hope and humility, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of God's plan and our role within it. The First Reading from Zechariah paints a vivid picture of a restored Jerusalem, where the elderly and children alike thrive under God's watchful eye. This prophecy, set against the backdrop of the post-exilic period, offers a message of renewal and peace, emphasizing truth and justice as the cornerstones of this harmonious community. It reminds us that God's zeal for His people endures, promising a future where His presence is central to their lives.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus' teachings on humility and inclusion. As the disciples debate greatness, Jesus uses a child to illustrate that true greatness lies in humility and service. He further expands this lesson by embracing those who act in His name, even if they are not part of His immediate circle. This teaches us that unity and acceptance, rather than division, are key to living as God's people. The context of these teachings, occurring during Jesus' journey with His disciples, highlights the importance of living out these values in our daily interactions.
Both readings converge on the themes of community and humility. Zechariah's vision of a thriving Jerusalem and Jesus' lessons on inclusion and humility call us to build communities grounded in love and acceptance. In our daily lives, this means embracing humility, welcoming others, and trusting in God's plan. The moral lesson here is clear: our actions should reflect God's love, fostering unity and humility as we strive to create a world that mirrors His vision of peace and justice. Let us, therefore, approach each day with hearts open to serving others and living in harmony, guided by the principles of truth, justice, and love.