Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 30, 2024
First Reading: Job 1.6-22
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
Psalm 17
1A Prayer of David. Lord, listen to my justice, attend to my supplication. Pay attention to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips2Let my judgment proceed from your presence. Let your eyes behold fairness3You have tested my heart and visited it by night. You have examined me by fire, and iniquity has not been found in me4Therefore, may my mouth not speak the works of men. I have kept to difficult ways because of the words of your lips5Perfect my steps in your paths, so that my footsteps may not be disturbed6I have cried out because you, O God, have listened to me. Incline your ear to me and heed my words7Make your mercies wonderful, for you save those who hope in you8From those who resist your right hand, preserve me like the pupil of your eye. Protect me under the shadow of your wings9from the face of the impious who have afflicted me. My enemies have surrounded my soul10They have concealed their fatness; their mouth has been speaking arrogantly11They have cast me out, and now they have surrounded me. They have cast their eyes down to the earth12They have taken me, like a lion ready for the prey, and like a young lion dwelling in hiding13Rise up, O Lord, arrive before him and displace him. Deliver my soul from the impious one: your spear from the enemies of your hand14Lord, divide them from the few of the earth in their life. Their gut has been filled from your hidden stores. They have been filled with sons, and they have bequeathed to their little ones the remainder15But as for me, I will appear before your sight in justice. I will be satisfied when your glory appears
Gospel: Luke 9.46-50
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 profound lessons on faith and humility. The story of Job presents a man who, despite unimaginable suffering, chooses to trust God. Job's declaration, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord," exemplifies unwavering faith in the face of adversity. This response isn't born of passivity but of a deep trust in God's plan, even when it's unclear.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about true greatness through the example of a child, emphasizing humility and service. He challenges their notions of power and status, reminding them that receiving a child in His name is akin to receiving Him. This lesson extends further when Jesus encourages inclusivity, stating that those who work in His name, even if not part of their group, are allies. This challenges us to embrace a broader view of community and ministry.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith and service. Like Job, we may face trials that test our trust in God. Like the disciples, we may need to reevaluate our understanding of greatness. Let us strive to trust God in all circumstances and serve others with humility, remembering that true greatness lies in selfless love and service. May we, like Job, remain faithful and, like Jesus, embrace humility and inclusivity in our daily lives.