Daily Readings - Sat Sep 25 2021
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 profound visions of God's presence and protection. The First Reading from Zechariah presents a vision where an angel measures Jerusalem, signifying its expansion and God's promise to be a wall of fire around it. This vision, from a post-exilic context, offers hope to a restored Jerusalem, emphasizing God's enduring presence and protection. The Gospel from Luke shifts focus to Jesus, who heals a boy and foretells His betrayal. This passage, part of Jesus's journey to Jerusalem, highlights the disciples' struggle to comprehend His mission, illustrating the mystery of faith.
Both readings intertwine themes of divine presence and protection. Zechariah's vision portrays God as a protective fire, while Luke's narrative shows Jesus embodying this presence, even in His Passion. This connection underscores God's unwavering love and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, blending hope with the reality of His mission.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's presence, even amidst uncertainty. Like the disciples, we may face mysteries beyond our understanding, but faith calls us to embrace these moments with courage. The moral lesson here is the importance of trusting God's plan, recognizing His presence as our strength. Let us find comfort in God's protective love, whether in times of joy or trial, and may this trust guide us in living out our faith with resilience and hope.