Daily Readings - Tue Oct 03 2017

First Reading - Zechariah 8.20-23

²⁰Thus says the Lord of hosts, then the people may arrive and dwell in many cities²¹and the inhabitants may hurry, one saying to another: "Let us go and entreat the face of the Lord, and let us seek the Lord of hosts. I will go also.²²And many peoples and strong nations will approach, seeking the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the face of the Lord²³Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days, then, ten men from every language of the Gentiles will grasp and cling to the hem of one man of Judea, saying: "We will go with you. For we have heard that God is with you.

Gospel - Luke 9.51-56

Luke

Chapter 9

⁵¹Now it happened that, while the days of his dissipation were being completed, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem⁵²And he sent messengers before his face. And going on, they entered into a city of the Samaritans, to prepare for him⁵³And they would not receive him, because his face was going toward Jerusalem⁵⁴And when his disciples, James and John, had seen this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to call for fire to descend from heaven and consume them?⁵⁵And turning, he rebuked them, saying: "Do you not know of whose spirit you are⁵⁶The Son of man came, not to destroy lives, but to save them." And they went into another town

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of unity, divine presence, and the call to embody God's love. The first reading from Zechariah paints a vivid picture of a future where people from all nations gather in Jerusalem, united by their desire to seek the Lord. This vision emphasizes God's universal presence and the ultimate unity He desires among all peoples. The Gospel from Luke presents a contrasting scene where Jesus faces rejection by the Samaritans, yet He responds not with anger but with a lesson on the true nature of His mission: to save, not to destroy. The context of Zechariah's prophecy is one of hope and restoration, pointing to a time when God's people will live in peace and harmony. Luke's narrative, however, is set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, highlighting His unwavering commitment to His mission despite rejection. Both readings remind us that God's plan is universal, embracing all people, and that our response to adversity should reflect His love and mercy. In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace diversity and to seek unity amidst differences. Just as Jesus chose love over retaliation, we too can respond to rejection and challenges with compassion and understanding. Let us strive to be instruments of God's love, bringing people together rather than driving them apart. May we reflect God's heart by choosing love and unity, just as Jesus did on His journey to Jerusalem.