Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 27, 2021
First Reading: Zechariah 8.1-8
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.
Psalm 102
1Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.2Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.3For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.4My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.5By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.6I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.7I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.8Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.9For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,10Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.11My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.12But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.13Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.14For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.15So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.16When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.17He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.18This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.19For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;20To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;21To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;22When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.23He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.24I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.25Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.26They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:27But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.28The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
Gospel: Luke 9.46-50
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
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.