Daily Readings - Mon Sep 30 2019
Zechariah
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."
Luke
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.