Zechariah 2:5-9., 14-15 / Luke 9:43-45
Whether it is peace time or during a war, one of the main priorities is protection.
From countries to cities to fortifications, the question is about the effectiveness of the protection.
Even for the individual, the concern is about how good the protection is whether it has been tested.
All this may sound like concerns during a war.
But in peace time, the protection is about security and safety.
The prominent image that comes up is the image of a wall.
Walls are built to demarcate, to keep those within the wall safe and protected, and to keep those outside from entering or breaking in.
In the 1st reading, the Lord God says this: Jerusalem is to remain unwalled. I will be a wall of fire all round her.
In other words, Jerusalem will need no walls to protect her because God is her protection.
It also means that Jerusalem will be so prosperous, with a great number of people and livestock that it will be a city to reflect the glory of God.
We too must believe that God is our safety and protection.
And more than that, God is our glory and our salvation.
May the walls of insecurity and fear give way to the wonder of God’s glory and majesty.