Daily Readings
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
There shall yet come peoples, the inhabitants of many cities; and the inhabitants of one city shall approach those of another, and say, “Come! let us go to implore the favor of the LORD”; and, “I too will go to seek the LORD.” Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to implore the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men of every nationality, speaking different tongues, shall take hold, yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of his garment and say,
“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”
PSALM: PS 87:1B-3, 4-5, 6-7
Response: God is with us.
His foundation upon the holy mountains the LORD loves: The gates of Zion, more than any dwelling of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! <R.>
I tell of Egypt and Babylon among those that know the LORD; Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia: “This man was born there.” And of Zion they shall say: “One and all were born in her; And he who has established her is the Most High LORD.” <R.>
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: “This man was born there.” And all shall sing, in their festive dance: “My home is within you.” <R.>
SECOND READING
Philippians 2:1-5
Brothers and sisters:
If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.
Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.
GOSPEL: Luke 9:51-56
When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.
Daily Reflection – 3rd October 2023
Zechariah, using an oracle, encourages the Israelites not to be distracted but to focus on Yahweh. Yahweh does have a plan and it will work; in fact it will be so successful that “men of all nationalities will hold the garment of every Jew and say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”
The Gospel draws a stark contrast between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus is resolute in his mission to proclaim the Good News and save the world. Nothing is able to distract him, not even the fact that he was not welcomed in a Samaritan village. On the other hand the disciples who are expected to proclaim the Good News with Jesus are upset and distracted at this; willing to abuse their power and call down fire from heaven to consume the village. The Good News can easily be distorted if our actions do not conform to our words.
Does your life reflect the “Good News?”
Source: Archdiocese of Mumbai official website (https://www.archdioceseofbombay.org/)