27 Sep
Sat
25th Week in Ordinary Time
St Vincent de Paul, priest
Zec. 2:5-9,14-15
(R. Ps.) Jer. 31:10,11-12,13
Lk. 9:43-45
(Ps Wk I)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

Like the prophet Haggai, from whose book we have been reading these last two days, Thursday and Friday, the prophet Zechariah also encouraged the returning Israelite exiles to rebuild the Temple. The passage we read today records one of the prophet's visions. It contains both practical and mystical elements. The man measuring Jerusalem was a symbol of the physical work that needed to be done in rebuilding the Temple. God's affirmation provides a religious reason for rebuilding the Temple: "I will be for her an encircling wall of fire.... I will be glory in her midst". Our lives only take on true meaning when God is in our midst.

Though Zechariah's passage does not mention "new Temple" or "new Jerusalem", newness is clearly part of the prophet's message. The rebuilt city would be a new city, with a new Temple. As such, it would be a sign of hope.

Since Zechariah was a prophet, the meaning of his words goes far beyond the particular historical situation in which they were spoken. Eventually Scripture will invite us to look beyond a new Jerusalem and a new Temple towards a new heaven and a new earth.



Father in heaven, be for us an encircling wall of fire, protecting us from all danger. Live in our hearts as You once dwelt in the Temple, making of us a new creation.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the countries suffering from war, terrorism and violence may find the way of reconciliation, concord and peace.
Elaboration

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