25th Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 30th September 2023 – Zech 2,5-9.14-15; Lk 9,43b-45
Expansion and Protection of Jerusalem
The first reading from the prophet Zechariah is closely linked with Prophet Haggai to rebuild the Temple and also to restore the nation. Zechariah is led to proclaim the Lord’s coming to Jerusalem in order to dwell with the people and draw in, not only the chosen people, but other nations. Today’s reading presents the third of the eight visions the prophet had about a future glorious Jerusalem. In this vision, he sees a man with a measuring line in his hand. The line is for taking measurements for New Jerusalem and is a symbol of the future expansion and glory of the city, which has never experienced. In fact, the population will spill over the walls and the messianic Jerusalem will be protected by Yahweh himself, with the wall of fire around. This is reminiscent of the time in the desert when Yahweh accompanied his people with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
