In the first reading from Zechariah, we are given a powerful and hopeful vision: that a day will come when people from every nation, language, and background will flock to Jerusalem not out of political allegiance or cultural fascination, but because they have heard that God is present there. This prophecy, written around 520 BC, was meant to encourage the small and weary remnant of Israel who were returning from exile to rebuild the Temple. Their task was difficult, their numbers few, and their future uncertain. But through Zechariah, the Lord reminds them that what they are building is not just a structure of stone, but a beacon of divine presence. If they remain faithful, the light of their worship and their witness will draw the nations in.
In the Gospel, we see a similar Jerusalem, but now, Jesus is turning His face toward it, knowing it will be the place of His suffering and death. On the way, some villages reject Him. The disciples, fueled by righteous anger, want to call down fire from heaven in response. But Jesus rebukes them. His way is not one of coercion, revenge, or fear. No one will be forced to believe. Love, not fear, will be His invitation to salvation.
These two readings together reveal the heart of God’s mission: to draw all people to Himself not by domination, but through witness; not through wrath, but through mercy.
We often wonder how to bring others to faith, especially in a world where many walk away from God, or never consider Him at all. The answer is found in Zechariah’s vision: “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” When we live lives rooted in love, peace, integrity, and prayer, we become dwelling places of the Lord.
But the reverse is also true. If our lives are marked by anger, judgment, gossip, or hypocrisy, then we become stumbling blocks rather than signposts. The Gospel warns us that the temptation to condemn those who reject or misunderstand us is strong. Jesus shows a better way. He simply walks on, always offering peace, always leaving the door open for grace to do its hidden work.
Let our prayer be this: Lord, help me live in such a way that others will say, “Let us go with you, for we have seen that God is with you.” And when I face rejection, help me to walk on in peace, trusting that every village, every soul, is part of Your saving plan.
Rev. Elvin Cardoso, SJ
I am a Jesuit priest from Goa, India’s tiny but beautiful state. I studied in a Jesuit school that was from where I got my vocation. I was ordained in 2016. I am currently pursuing a degree in the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Creighton University.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity to share and express my faith while simultaneously enhancing and nurturing my prayer life.
