Readings: Zechariah 8:20-23; Psalm 87; Luke 9:5-56
“Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” - Zech 8:23
The words of the prophet Zechariah reflect the time after the Babylonian exile. After many years in exile, the Jewish people faced a choice, to return or not. Some became prosperous and settled in Babylon. Others returned home, but home had changed. The temple of Solomon had been destroyed Zechariah welcomed them and urged them to rebuild it. He had visions of God’s saving presence. The Messianic age awaits the new temple. They must act quickly. Salvation depends on the sacred walls rising once again. Walls usually keep others out but Zechariah announced something new and bold: God’s salvation is for all. Spread the word. People from many nations will stream toward Jerusalem once they “heard that God is with you.” Often, we stick to our own kind and mistrust others. Then something big happens and the walls come down. People turn to help one another: think for a moment of recent events … the forest fires, the floods, 9/11, refugees fighting for their lives in Afghanistan or under the Rio Grande bridge in Texas. Like blessings from above, what divided us now fades away. To be one with others in trouble drives out fear. Why do we isolate ourselves? In the Gospel Jesus explains that the road to Jerusalem is for the faint-hearted, not for those who cling to safety. The Samaritans closed their town to Jesus and the apostles wanted revenge. Faced with attack or insults, we often strike back, and another cycle of devastation begins. “Jesus rebuked them.” To seek revenge is poisonous: it does not bring security, justice or peace. What grips us in the moment of fear or anger can lead to years of violence. We share this planet with all God’s creatures. We are in it together. Old wounds need healing so the path to solidarity shines. Blessings. Fr. Brian
Scripture Reflection for Tuesday, September 28, 2021 (Readings: Zechariah 8:20-23; Psalm 87; Luke 9:5-56 “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” - Zech 8:23
The words of the prophet Zechariah reflect the time after the Babylonian exile. After many years in exile, the Jewish people faced a choice, to return or not. Some became prosperous and settled in Babylon. Others returned home but home had changed. The temple of Solomon had been destroyed Zechariah welcomed them and urged them to rebuild it. He had visions of God’s saving presence. The Messianic age awaits the new temple. They must act quickly. Salvation depends on the sacred walls rising once again. Walls usually keep others out but Zechariah announced something new and bold: God’s salvation is for all. Spread the word. People from many nations will stream toward Jerusalem once they “heard that God is with you.”
Often, we stick to our own kind and mistrust others. Then something big happens and the walls come down. People turn to help one another: think for a moment of recent events … the forest fires, the floods, 9/11, refugees fighting for their lives in Afghanistan or under the Rio Grande bridge in Texas. Like blessings from above, what divided us now fades away. To be one with others in trouble drives out fear. Why do we isolate ourselves? In the Gospel Jesus explains that the road to Jerusalem is for the faint-hearted, not for those who cling to safety. The Samaritans closed their town to Jesus and the apostles wanted revenge. Faced with attack or insults, we often strike back, and another cycle of devastation begins.
“Jesus rebuked them.” To seek revenge is poisonous: it does not bring security, justice or peace. What grips us in the moment of fear or anger can lead to years of violence. We share this planet with all God’s creatures. We are in it together. Old wounds need healing so the path to solidarity shines.