Daily Readings - Mon Sep 28 2020
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 powerful lessons about humility and faith. The first reading from the Book of Job presents us with a man who faces unimaginable suffering—losing his children, his possessions, and his health. Yet, in the midst of such tragedy, Job does not curse God but instead humbly acknowledges God’s sovereignty, saying, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” This passage reminds us that true faith is not about understanding or controlling life’s difficulties but about trusting in God’s providence, even when the road is dark and uncertain.
The Gospel reading from Luke offers a complementary teaching on humility. Jesus, perceiving the disciples’ argument about who is the greatest, uses a child as a symbol of true greatness. He teaches that to welcome a child in his name is to welcome him, and by extension, the Father who sent him. This lesson challenges us to let go of our pride and ambition, embracing instead a spirit of service and openness. Jesus further emphasizes this by telling the disciples not to prohibit someone from working in his name simply because they are not part of their group. This is a call to inclusivity and to recognize that God’s work is not limited to our narrow circles.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Like Job, we may face trials that test our faith, but we are called to respond with humility and trust. Like the disciples, we may struggle with pride or exclusivity, but Jesus shows us that true greatness lies in humility and openness. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust God even when we do not understand? Do we welcome others, even those who may seem different or outside our comfort zone? May we learn to embrace the humility and faith that lead us closer to God and to one another.