Daily Readings - Sat Sep 28 2019
Zechariah
1And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand!2Then I said, "Where are you going?" And he said to me, "To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length."3And behold, the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him4and said to him, "Run, say to that young man, 'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it.5And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.'"10Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD.11And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.
Luke
43And all were astonished at the majesty of God.But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples,44"Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men."45But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
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.