Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 27, 2021
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
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.