Daily Readings - Sat Oct 03 2020
Job
1Then Job, responding to the Lord, said:2I know that you are able to do all things, and that no thoughts are hidden from you3So, who is it that would disguise a lack of knowledge as counsel? Therefore, I have been speaking foolishly, about things whose measure exceeds my knowledge5By paying attention with the ear, I have heard you, but now my eye sees you6Therefore, I find myself reprehensible, and I will do penance in embers and ashes12And the Lord blessed the latter end of Job even more than his beginning. And he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand pairs of oxen, and a thousand she-donkeys13And he had seven sons and three daughters15And, in the whole world, there were not found women so beautiful as the daughters of Job. And so their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers16But Job lived long after these events, for a hundred and forty years, and he saw his children, and his children’s children, all the way to the fourth generation,17and he died an old man and full of days.
Luke
17Then the seventy-two returned with gladness, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us, in your name.18And he said to them: "I was watching as Satan fell like lightning from heaven19Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the powers of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you20Yet truly, do not choose to rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.21In the same hour, he exulted in the Holy Spirit, and he said: "I confess to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the prudent, and have revealed them to little ones. It is so, Father, because this way was pleasing before you22All things have been delivered to me by my Father. And no one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and those to whom the Son has chosen to reveal him.23And turning to his disciples, he said: "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see24For I say to you, that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things that you see, and they did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and they did not hear them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, humility, and trust in God. The first reading from Job concludes his story of immense suffering and unwavering faith. Despite losing everything, Job humbly acknowledges God's sovereignty, leading to even greater blessings. This teaches us that perseverance through trials can result in profound spiritual growth and renewed blessings.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the disciples, who return exhilarated from their mission, having cast out demons. Jesus redirects their joy from their accomplishments to the fact that their names are written in heaven. He praises the Father for revealing truths to the humble, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from recognizing God's grace rather than human achievements.
Both readings remind us to trust in God's plan and remain humble. Like Job, we may face challenges, but faith can lead to deeper blessings. Like the disciples, our joy should stem from our relationship with God, not just our deeds. In our daily lives, let us embrace humility, trust in God's sovereignty, and find joy in His presence. May we stay grounded in faith, recognizing God's work in our lives and the world around us.