Daily Readings - Mon Sep 27 2021
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
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.