Daily Readings - Mon Oct 01 2018
Job
6But on a certain day, when the sons of God came to attend in the presence of the Lord, Satan also arrived among them7The Lord said to him, "Where do you come from?" Answering, he said, "I have circled the land, and walked around in it.8And the Lord said to him, "Have you not considered my servant, Job? For there is no one like him in the land, a simple and honest man, fearing God and withdrawing from evil.9Answering him, Satan said, "Does Job fear God to no purpose10Have you not fortified him, as well as his house and every one of his belongings around him, blessed the works of his hands, and his possession has increased in the land11But extend your hand a little, and touch all that he possesses, and see if he still praises you to your face.12Therefore, the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, everything that he has is in your hand, only do not extend your hand against him." And Satan departed from the face of the Lord13So, on a certain day, when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine, in the house of their first-born brother14a messenger came to Job, who said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were grazing beside them15and the Sabeans rushed in and carried away everything, and they struck the servants with the sword; and I alone evaded them to tell you.16And while he was still speaking, another arrived, and he said, "The fire of God fell from heaven, and, having struck the sheep and the servants, it consumed them; and I alone escaped to tell you.17And while he also was still speaking, another arrived, and he said, "The Chaldeans organized three attacks, and advanced on the camels and took them; and not only that, but they have struck the servants with the sword; and I alone fled to tell you.18He was still speaking, and behold, another entered, and he said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine in the house of their first-born brother19when suddenly a severe wind rushed forth from a region of the desert and shook the four corners of the house, which collapsed and crushed your children, and they are dead; and I alone escaped to tell you.20Then Job got up and tore his garments, and, having shaved his head, he collapsed on the ground, and worshipped21and he said, "Naked I departed from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Just as it pleased the Lord, so has it been done. Blessed be the name of the Lord.22In all this, Job did not sin by his lips, nor did he speak any foolish thing against God
Luke
46Now an idea entered into them, as to which of them was greater47But Jesus, perceiving the thoughts of their hearts, took a child and stood him beside him48And he said to them: "Whoever will receive this child in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives him who sent me. For whoever is the lesser among you all, the same is greater.49And responding, John said: "Teacher, we saw a certain one casting out demons in your name. And we prohibited him, for he does not follow with us.50And Jesus said to him: "Do not prohibit him. For whoever is not against you, is for you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that invite us to reflect on our faith and our relationship with God. The first reading from Job presents us with a man whose unwavering trust in God is tested through immense suffering. Job loses everything—his children, his possessions, his health—and yet, he does not curse God. Instead, he humbly acknowledges God's sovereignty, saying, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job's story reminds us that true faith is not about avoiding suffering but about trusting God even in the midst of it.
The Gospel reading from Luke offers a complementary lesson. Jesus teaches His disciples about the nature of greatness, using a child as an example. He emphasizes that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in power or status. Jesus also addresses the disciples' tendency to exclude others, reminding them that anyone who does good in His name is a friend, not a foe. This teaching challenges us to move beyond our own biases and rivalries, embracing a spirit of inclusion and unity.
Together, these readings call us to live with humility and trust. Like Job, we are invited to trust God even when life doesn't make sense, knowing that His ways are not our ways. Like the disciples, we are called to let go of our need to be "greater" and instead serve others with humility. In a world often driven by competition and division, these readings remind us that true greatness lies in surrendering our pride and trusting in God's plan. May we, like Job, bless God's name in all circumstances, and may we, like the disciples, learn to see the good in others and welcome them into our lives.