We hear this week from Zechariah, like Haggai, a prophetic voice in the Restoration Period. He (scholars say there are two writing under the name)  urges the temple be rebuilt and promises if it’s rebuilt Jerusalem will regain its place among the nations. In fact all nations will come to make it a greater kingdom,  but it will not be soon. Joining Zechariah are Nehemiah and Baruch, prophets who spoke also during the Restoration Period.

They tell us we’re called today to rebuild the church and the world.

We begin this week reading the long portion of Luke’s gospel describing Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem–chapters 9,51-18,14. The journey ends in his Resurrection. One sentence dominates these chapters: “Follow me.” Another teaching we hear repeatedly: “Don’t look back.”

Some saints we honor this week are honored by the whole church: St. Jerome, St. Therese and St. Francis of Assisi. We’re reminded too of a world beyond ours where angels dwell. Some of them look after us. We even have Guardian Angels.