Daily Readings for September 25, 2017

1ST READING

Cyrus is an interesting king. He is not a Jew and yet the Scriptures refer to him as the Messiah (somewhere in Isaiah). How do we understand this? Cyrus allows the Israelites to return to Jerusalem from their place of exile. This is the nature of his “messiah-ship.” He frees the people from exile and allows them to return home. In a similar way but on a spiritual level, Jesus does the same thing for us through the forgiveness of our sins.

Ezra 1:1-6

1 In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord inspired King Cyrus of Persia to issue this  proclamation throughout his kingdom, both by word of mouth and in writing: 2 “Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia: ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord, the God of heaven, has given to me, and he has also charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Therefore, whoever among you belongs to any part of his people, let him go up, and may his God be with him! 4 Let everyone who has survived, in whatever place he may have dwelt, be assisted by the people of that place with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, together with free-will offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ ” 5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and Levites — everyone, that is, whom God had inspired to do so — prepared to go up to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors gave them help in every way, with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, and with many precious gifts besides all their free-will offerings.

P S A L M

Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R: The Lord has done marvels for us.

1 When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great hings for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

GOSPEL

We have received the gift of salvation. This is the greatest gift anyone can receive. We should never be ashamed of sharing this Good News with others, no matter how apprehensive we may be. Jesus has forgiven our sins and wants everyone to know that we are forgiven. If we do not tell the world, who will? If we do not declare victory over sin in our lives, who will? It is a bit like the time when the prophet said – if we do not praise the Lord, then the stones will rise up and do it.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Luke 8:16-18

16 Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”