Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 30, 2019
First Reading: Zechariah 8.1-8
1Again the word of the LORD Almighty came to me.2This is what the LORD Almighty says: "I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her."3This is what the LORD says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain."4This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age.5The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there."6This is what the LORD Almighty says: "It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?" declares the LORD Almighty.7This is what the LORD Almighty says: "I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west.8I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God."
Psalm 102
1Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come to you.2Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.3For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers.4My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.5Because of my loud groaning I am reduced to skin and bones.6I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.7I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.8All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse.9For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears10because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.11My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.12But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.13You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.14For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity.15The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.16For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory.17He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.18Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD:19"The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,20to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death."21So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem22when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the LORD.23In the course of my life he broke my strength; he cut short my days.24So I said: "Do not take me away, O my God, in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations.25In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.26They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.27But you remain the same, and your years will never end.28The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you."
Gospel: Luke 9.46-50
46An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.47Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.48Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest."49"Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."50"Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."
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.