See the heart of the Lord our God in today’s first reading. He wills that we live to a ripe old age in His peace, love and joy. That there be a renewal through our young as they grow up playing and laughing. That His faithfulness and integrity shines through us as we worship Him with the same faithfulness and integrity.
Far fetched? Then turn to look into the lives of those who are living the Word and His Will in their lives. How they have cast aside their self importance and humbly seek to love and serve others first whether family, friend or stranger! They see the child of God that they are in one another regardless of race, language or religion. The only pride they have is to do right by the Lord their God by acting justly, by loving mercy and seeking each day to walk humbly with Him. See then how they thrive in His mercy and love bringing joy to others by their lives! You may have seen glimpses of this in your very own lives when you chose to walk in His light. It is time to make a decision, if you are willing to lay down your life completely for Him and for your brethren?
Here I am Lord! I come to do Your Will. Amen
First reading
Zechariah 8:1-8
The Lord will return to Zion
The word of the Lord of Hosts was addressed to me as follows:
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
I am burning with jealousy for Zion,
with great anger for her sake.
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
I am coming back to Zion
and shall dwell in the middle of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem will be called Faithful City
and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts, the Holy Mountain.
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
Old men and old women will again sit down
in the squares of Jerusalem;
every one of them staff in hand
because of their great age.
And the squares of the city will be full
of boys and girls
playing in the squares.
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
If this seems a miracle
to the remnant of this people (in those days),
will it seem one to me?
It is the Lord of Hosts who speaks.
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
Now I am going to save my people
from the countries of the East
and from the countries of the West.
I will bring them back
to live inside Jerusalem.
They shall be my people
and I will be their God
in faithfulness and integrity.’
Gospel
Luke 9:46-50
The least among you all is the greatest
An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.’
John spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘we saw a man casting out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for you.’
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