Bible Readings - Sept. 29, 2025

Reading I

Zechariah 8:7-17

Thus says the LORD of hosts:

I am going to rescue my people from the land of the rising sun,

and from the land of the setting sun.

I will bring them back to dwell within Jerusalem.

They will be my people, and I will be their God,

in faithfulness and justice.

Thus says the LORD of hosts:

Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words

which were spoken by the prophets when the foundation

of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid for the building

of the temple.

For before those days, there were no wages for people,

nor hire for animals. Those who came and went were not safe

from the enemy, for I set neighbor against neighbor.

But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people

as in former days—oracle of the LORD of hosts.

For there will be a sowing of peace:

the vine will yield its fruit,

the land will yield its crops,

and the heavens will yield their dew.

I will give all these things to the remnant of this people to possess.

Just as you became a curse among the nations,

O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you

that you may be a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.

Thus says the LORD of hosts:

Just as I intended to harm you when your ancestors angered me

—says the LORD of hosts—and I did not relent,

so again in these days I intend to favor Jerusalem

and the house of Judah; do not fear!

These then are the things you must do: Speak the truth

to one another; judge with honesty and complete justice

in your gates.

Let none of you plot evil against another in your heart,

nor love a false oath. For all these things I hate

—oracle of the LORD.

Psalm 138:1-5

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,

for you have heard the words of my mouth;

in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;

I will worship at your holy temple

and give thanks to your name.

Because of your kindness and your truth;

for you have made great above all things

your name and your promise.

When I called, you answered me;

you built up strength within me.

All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD

when they hear the words of your mouth;

And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD

“How great is the glory of the LORD!”

Psalm 103:21-22

Bless the LORD, all you his hosts,

his ministers who carry out his will.

Bless the LORD, all his creatures,

everywhere in his domain.

Bless the LORD, my soul!

Gospel

Luke 9:46-48

An argument arose among the disciples

about which of them was the greatest.

Jesus realized the intention of their hearts

and took a child and placed it by his side

and said to them, “Whoever receives this child

in my name receives me, and whoever receives me

receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least

among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”