Daily Readings - Sat Sep 30 2023
Zechariah
1Then I looked up-and there before me was a man with a measuring line in his hand!2I asked, "Where are you going?" He answered me, "To measure Jerusalem, to find out how wide and how long it is."3Then the angel who was speaking to me left, and another angel came to meet him4and said to him: "Run, tell that young man, 'Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it.5And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,' declares the LORD, 'and I will be its glory within.'10"Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you," declares the LORD.11"Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.
Luke
43And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.44While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men."45But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Zechariah presents a vision of Jerusalem without walls, symbolizing God's protective presence and abundance. This prophecy, spoken during the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile, reassures the people of God's enduring presence and promises a future where His glory will dwell among them. The second reading from Luke captures a pivotal moment where Jesus heals a boy and then foretells his betrayal. Despite the disciples' confusion and fear, Jesus emphasizes the importance of understanding His mission, highlighting the necessity of self-giving love.
These readings intertwine through their themes of divine presence and trust. Zechariah's vision encourages trust in God's providence, while Luke's narrative invites us to embrace the mystery of faith. Just as the disciples faced uncertainty, we too are called to trust in God's plan, even when it seems unclear. The readings remind us that God's presence is our strength, guiding us through life's challenges.
Applying this to our daily lives, we are urged to trust God in uncertain times, just as the disciples had to trust Jesus. The moral lesson here is one of faith and surrender. In moments of doubt, we should recall God's promise to be our refuge and strength. Let us embrace this trust, allowing God's presence to guide us, and may we find the courage to follow His will, even when the path is unclear.