Daily Readings - Mon Sep 30 2019
Zechariah
1Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,2Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.3Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.4Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.5And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.6Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.7Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;8And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.
Luke
46Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,48And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.49And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.50And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
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.