St. Wenceslaus, ruler, martyr
St. Lawrence Ruiz, husband, martyr
and companions, martyrs


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:

Zechariah 8:20-23
Psalm 87:1-7
Luke 9:51-56


A reflection on today's Scripture:

The Vatican II Weekday Missal tells us that today's First Reading for the Prophet Zechariah is a view toward the future.

Written at the time after the exile, it was intended to encourage the "lonely returned exiles in the poor rebuilt city of Jerusalem." They weren't to be downcast or discouraged; one day all would come to the Holy City, would know and worship the one true God.

As with all Holy Scripture, this reading wasn't meant just for the people of Zechariah's day, but for people of every age -- for us!

There is no need to doubt the eventual triumph of our God. The day =will= come when all will know of Him and of His power and might. Let us then stay steadfast and apply all our giftedness toward winning souls that await with joy-filled hope for the coming of Our Lord in Glory.

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS