Daily Readings - Tue Oct 03 2023
Zechariah
20"Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities.21The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.'22Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.23Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"
Luke
51When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.52And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him.53But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.54And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?"55But he turned and rebuked them.56And they went on to another village.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound visions of unity and compassion. The first reading from Zechariah paints a future where people from all nations gather in Jerusalem, united by their quest for God. This vision, born from a time of restoration, speaks of a world where diversity is celebrated, and God's presence is sought collectively. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus facing rejection by the Samaritans, yet he chooses compassion over retaliation, teaching his disciples the true essence of his mission: salvation, not destruction.
These readings connect through their emphasis on God's universal love. Zechariah's vision of a unified world mirrors Jesus's mission to embrace all people, regardless of background. Both passages highlight the importance of seeking God together and responding to adversity with love. Jesus's rebuke of his disciples reminds us that our response to rejection should be rooted in compassion, not vengeance.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to embrace diversity and respond to challenges with grace. Just as Zechariah envisioned a harmonious gathering of nations, we are invited to foster unity in our communities. When faced with rejection or adversity, we should, like Jesus, choose love and compassion. Let us reflect on how we can embody this spirit of unity and forgiveness, striving to be instruments of God's universal embrace.