Daily Readings - Sat Sep 30 2023
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 powerful messages of hope and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Zechariah presents a vision of Jerusalem without walls, symbolizing God's protective presence and abundance. This prophecy, spoken during the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile, reassures the people of God's enduring presence and promises a future where His glory will dwell among them. The second reading from Luke captures a pivotal moment where Jesus heals a boy and then foretells his betrayal. Despite the disciples' confusion and fear, Jesus emphasizes the importance of understanding His mission, highlighting the necessity of self-giving love.
These readings intertwine through their themes of divine presence and trust. Zechariah's vision encourages trust in God's providence, while Luke's narrative invites us to embrace the mystery of faith. Just as the disciples faced uncertainty, we too are called to trust in God's plan, even when it seems unclear. The readings remind us that God's presence is our strength, guiding us through life's challenges.
Applying this to our daily lives, we are urged to trust God in uncertain times, just as the disciples had to trust Jesus. The moral lesson here is one of faith and surrender. In moments of doubt, we should recall God's promise to be our refuge and strength. Let us embrace this trust, allowing God's presence to guide us, and may we find the courage to follow His will, even when the path is unclear.