📖 Readings for September 30, 2025
First Reading – Zechariah 8:20-23
Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Come! Let us go to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I too will go.” Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days, ten men of all the tongues of the nations shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” USCCB+2Catholic Gallery+2
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (Zec 8:23) God is with us.
The foundations of Zion, the LORD loves more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!
I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who know me;
Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia: “This one was born there.”
Yes, of Zion it shall be said, “Each one was born in her.”
The Most High Himself will establish her.
The LORD will record as he enrolls the peoples, “This one also was born there.”
Singers and dancers alike will say, “My home is in you.”* USCCB+1
Alleluia – Mark 10:45
Alleluia, alleluia. The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Alleluia. USCCB+1
Gospel – Luke 9:51-56
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he resolutely set his face toward Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead of him, and they entered a Samaritan village to make ready for him; but the people would not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village. USCCB+2Catholic Gallery+2
I. Introduction
On the feast of St. Jerome—translator of Scripture and Doctor of the Church—we reflect on what it means to journey toward God with determination and humility. Today’s Gospel shows Jesus resolutely heading to Jerusalem, encountering rejection on the way, yet refusing to retaliate with violence. In humility and resolve, He models how we too are called to walk toward God’s will.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
Luke 9:51-56 places Jesus on a decisive path: He “set his face” toward Jerusalem, knowing the suffering ahead. When a Samaritan village refuses Him, James and John want to call down divine judgment. But Jesus stops them: His mission is not to punish, but to love—even amid rejection. His resolute humility contrasts with impulsive zeal.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
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Zechariah 8 promises that many nations will seek the LORD—highlighting that God’s presence draws diverse peoples. Humility means welcoming those who come, and living in a way that draws others to God. USCCB+1
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Psalm 87 affirms that God is with His people, that even those of different lands will say, “My home is in you.” Humility trusts in God’s closeness and inclusivity. USCCB+1
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In the Gospel, Jesus’ refusal to use force reveals that true authority rests not in domination, but in humble patience and love.
IV. Reflections
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Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem is a model: even when facing hostility, He does not abandon His mission or His humility.
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The disciples’ zeal to punish reveals how easily we can mistake zeal for love—or confuse judgment with justice.
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Humility restrains us from responding in wrath; it invites us to answer in peace, trusting that God’s timing and justice prevail.
Quote for Emphasis:
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” — C.S. Lewis
V. Practical Applications
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When you face rejection or misunderstanding, resist retaliatory impulses. Pray for grace to respond with gentleness.
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Set your “face toward God” daily—choose to follow God’s path, even when the terrain is hard.
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Be a bridge to others—welcome those who may be outsiders, believing that God’s presence can draw them.
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Reflect on your zeal: is it rooted in love or in judgment? Let humility shape your motivations.
VI. Conclusion
Jesus’ resolute journey, coupled with His refusal to retaliate, speaks powerfully to us: humility and determination go together in the Christian life. On St. Jerome’s feast, we recall his dedication to Scripture, his humility in service, and his zeal to bring God’s Word to all. May we, too, walk humbly toward Jerusalem—faithfully, lovingly, courageously.
Verse of the Day
“The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45
🙏 Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father,
On this feast of St. Jerome, grant me the humility to walk faithfully toward You, even when others reject my witness. Strengthen me to respond in love rather than anger, to persevere in Your mission with patience, and to serve with a humble heart. May my life draw others to You, and my words always reflect Your mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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