Daily Readings - Mon Sep 30 2019
Zechariah
1And the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying,2"Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath.3Thus says the LORD: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain.4Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age.5And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.6Thus says the LORD of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my sight, declares the LORD of hosts?7Thus says the LORD of hosts: behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country,8and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness."
Luke
46An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.47But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side48and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great."49John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us."50But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him, for the one who 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.