Today's Catholic Mass Readings & Gospel Reflection - Thursday, September 28, 2023#dailymassreadings

Today's Catholic Mass Readings & Gospel Reflection - Thursday,September 28, 2023. Feast day of. Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions. martyrs. FIRST READING : Haggai 1: 1-8 'On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak: Thus says the LORD of hosts: This people says: "The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD." Then this word of the LoRD came through Haggai, the prophet:) is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; And whoever earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house That i may take pleasure in it and receive my glory, says the LORD. RESPONSORIAL PSALM : "The Lord takes delight in his people." GOSPEL : Luke 9: 7-9 Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead; others were saying,"Elijah has appeared"; still others,"One of the ancient prophets has arisen."But Herod said,"John i beheaded. Who then is this about whom i hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him. Reflection From our holy gospel. "HE KEPT TRYING TO SEE HIM". Herod, the tetrarch, shows interest in Jesus upon hearing from his constituents about his wonderful works. He himself wants to witness a sample of what he may consider a trick. Herod does not have the right motivation. It is only to satisfy his curiosity or his desire to be entertained. He will not get what he wants. He does not know that Jesus performs miracles to announce the coming of God's reign, which is the opposite of his reign. His wish will be granted when he meets Jesus handcuffed towards the end of his life, when he becomes friend with Pilate. It is futile to keep trying to see Jesus without recognizing our need to be helped. Jesus does wonders to us when, first of all, we listen to his words and submit ourselves to his rule. He is not here to entertain us, but to change us.