The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. — Jeremiah 31:(see 10)

Mass readings: Zechariah 2:5-9,14-15 / Luke 9:43-45 

Gifts Await Us 

Today’s first reading includes beasts, angels, a measuring line, and an encircling wall of fire. None of it made sense to me until I read the introduction to Zechariah. There it said this book describes eight symbolic visions, each of them meant to encourage the returning exiles and promote the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. 

This brings to mind how much I value Scripture scholars and the help offered to us by the Catholic Church. Our Bibles have footnotes and introductions. Parishes periodically offer Scripture study classes. Catholic websites and publications have commentaries. Together, these can clear up confusion and enable the Word of God to come alive for us. Gifts of knowledge await us. What’s needed on our part is a bit of curiosity, attention, and time. “Seek and you will find” (Lk 11:9). 

Prayer: Holy God, help me know You better and love You more through Your sacred Word.