📖 Readings for September 27, 2025
First Reading – Zechariah 2:5–9, 14–15a
I, Zechariah, raised my eyes and looked: there was a man with a measuring line in his hand. I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered, “To measure Jerusalem, to see how great is its width and how great its length.” Then the angel who spoke with me advanced, and another angel came out to meet him and said, “Run, tell this to that young man: People will live in Jerusalem as though in open country, because of the multitude of men and beasts in her midst. But I will be for her an encircling wall of fire, says the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst.”
Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you.
Responsorial Psalm – Jeremiah 31:10, 11–12ab, 13
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
proclaim it on distant isles, and say:
He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together,
he guards them as a shepherd his flock.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
The Lord shall ransom Jacob,
he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror.
Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion,
they shall come streaming to the Lord’s blessings.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Then the virgins shall make merry and dance,
and young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.
R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Gospel – Luke 9:43b–45
While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them, so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Reflection: Hidden Meanings, Humble Hearts
I. Introduction
On this memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul—a man of profound mercy and service—we are reminded that following Jesus often involves mysteries we cannot fully grasp. Today’s Gospel invites us into the humility of admitting we don’t understand yet trusting anyway.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
Jesus performs many deeds of power, and the crowds are amazed. Yet to his disciples He speaks a difficult truth: He will be handed over. The disciples don’t grasp it—they are afraid to ask. Jesus teaches that faithful discipleship sometimes involves walking with confusion, staying close even when meaning is hidden.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
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Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a speaks of God dwelling among His people, rebuilding and protecting them. Even when restoration seems mysterious, God’s presence is sure. Catholic Gallery
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Psalm / Jeremiah 31 promises gathering, comfort, and God’s protective care, even when His people are scattered. God’s love works beyond human understanding. Catholic Gallery+1
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Saint Vincent de Paul lived by humility—serving the poor, acting in small hidden ways, trusting that God’s mercy would unfold beyond human praise.
IV. Reflections
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Even the disciples, close to Jesus, didn’t fully understand His suffering. That’s okay: faith is not only for clarity, but for trust when the path is hidden.
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Humility accepts our smallness before God’s purposes. We may not see everything now—but we can stay faithful.
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Service, like Vincent’s, often means acting in the dark, not for recognition, but because love demands it.
Quote for Emphasis:
“Faith is a gaze turned toward God, even when the road is dark.” — Anonymous
V. Practical Applications
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Admit what you don’t understand. In prayer, bring your questions and doubts honestly before God.
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Stay close in mystery. In confusing times, don’t run—cling to God, Scripture, and faithful community.
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Serve quietly. Do small acts of mercy even when your sacrifice seems invisible.
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Trust God’s timing. What is hidden now may be revealed later. Cultivate patience and hope.
VI. Conclusion
Today’s Gospel doesn’t offer complete clarity—rather, it invites us into deeper faith. Jesus calls us into the journey of discipleship: to walk even when we don’t see. May our hearts grow humble, our trust deepen, and our service continue—even when the meaning is not yet clear.
Verse of the Day
“Pay attention to what I am telling you.” — Luke 9:44 (paraphrase)
Prayer for the Reader
Loving Father,
In moments of confusion or uncertainty, grant me the humility to remain close to You. Help me not to shrink back when Your ways are hidden, but to trust that Your truth will shine in time. May my service mirror the humility of Saint Vincent de Paul: small, faithful, compassionate. Teach me to walk faithfully even when I don’t fully see.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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