Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 27, 2021
First Reading: Zechariah 8.1-8
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."
Psalm 102
1Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you!2Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!3For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.4My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread.5Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my flesh.6I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places;7I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.8All the day my enemies taunt me; those who deride me use my name for a curse.9For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink,10because of your indignation and anger; for you have taken me up and thrown me down.11My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass.12But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations.13You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.14For your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her dust.15Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.16For the LORD builds up Zion; he appears in his glory;17he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.18Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:19that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,20to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die,21that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise,22when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.23He has broken my strength in midcourse; he has shortened my days.24"O my God," I say, "take me not away in the midst of my days--you whose years endure throughout all generations!"25Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.26They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,27but you are the same, and your years have no end.28The children of your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you.
Gospel: Luke 9.46-50
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
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.