Daily Readings - Sat Oct 09 2021
Joel
12Let them arise and ascend to the valley of Jehoshaphat. For there I will sit, so as to judge all the nations of the world13Send forth the sickles, because the harvest has matured. Advance and descend, for the press is full, the pressing room is overflowing. For their malice has been increasing14Nations, nations in the valley of being cut to pieces: for the day of the Lord fittingly takes place in the valley of being cut to pieces15The sun and the moon have been darkened, and the stars have withdrawn their splendor16And the Lord will roar from Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem. And the heavens and the earth will be moved. And the Lord will be the hope of his people and the strength of the sons of Israel17And you will know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling on Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem will be holy, and strangers will not cross through it anymore18And it will happen, in that day, that the mountains will drip sweetness, and the hills will flow with milk. And the waters will pass through all the rivers of Judah. And a fountain will go forth from the house of the Lord, and it will irrigate the desert of thorns19Egypt will be in desolation, and Edom will be a wilderness destroyed, because of what they have unfairly done to the sons of Judah, and because they have shed innocent blood in their land20And Judea will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem for generation upon generation21And I will cleanse their blood, which I had not cleansed. And the Lord will remain in Zion
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about God's judgment, mercy, and the true nature of blessedness. The first reading from Joel vividly describes the Day of the Lord, a time of reckoning where nations are judged in the valley of Jehoshaphat. Joel paints a dramatic scene of cosmic upheaval—darkened sun, moon, and stars—and a fountain from the Lord's house bringing life to a desolate land. This apocalyptic vision underscores God's justice and His ultimate restoration of Israel, where Judea will flourish eternally.
The Gospel shifts our focus from external judgment to internal faith. When a woman praises Jesus' mother, He redirects her attention, emphasizing that true blessedness comes not from physical ties but from hearing and keeping God's word. This exchange highlights the importance of spiritual obedience over earthly connections, inviting us to reflect on our commitment to living according to God's teachings.
Together, these readings remind us that while God's judgment is inevitable, His mercy and restoration are available to those who align their lives with His will. As we navigate our daily lives, let us examine our actions and hearts, ensuring they reflect a genuine faith. The truest blessedness lies not in worldly comforts but in faithfully following God's word, which guides us toward a life of purpose and righteousness.