Daily Readings - Thu Oct 03 2024
Job
21Have mercy on me, have compassion on me, at least you my friends, because the hand of the Lord has touched me22Why do you pursue me just as God does, and satiate yourselves with my flesh23Who will grant to me that my words may be written down? Who will grant to me that they may be inscribed in a book24with an iron pen and a plate of lead, or else be carved in stone25For I know that my Redeemer lives, and on the last day I will rise out of the earth26And I will be enveloped again with my skin, and in my flesh I will see my God27It is he whom I myself will see, and he whom my eyes will behold, and no other. This, my hope, has taken rest in my bosom
Luke
1Then, after these things, the Lord also designated another seventy-two. And he sent them in pairs before his face, into every city and place where he was to arrive2And he said to them: "Certainly the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest3Go forth. Behold, I send you out like lambs among wolves4Do not choose to carry a purse, nor provisions, nor shoes; and you shall greet no one along the way5Into whatever house you will have entered, first say, ‘Peace to this house.6And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you7And remain in the same house, eating and drinking the things that are with them. For the worker is worthy of his pay. Do not choose to pass from house to house8And into whatever city you have entered and they have received you, eat what they set before you9And cure the sick who are in that place, and proclaim to them, ‘The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.10But into whatever city you have entered and they have not received you, going out into its main streets, say11‘Even the dust which clings to us from your city, we wipe away against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has drawn near.12I say to you, that in that day, Sodom will be forgiven more than that city will be
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound expressions of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Job 19:21-27 presents Job in the depths of his suffering, yet he clings to his faith in a Redeemer. Despite being pursued and overwhelmed, Job's trust in God's plan and ultimate redemption shines through. His words are a testament to the human spirit's capacity to hold onto hope even in the darkest moments.
The Gospel from Luke 10:1-12 shifts our focus to the mission of the disciples. Jesus sends them out with minimal provisions, akin to lambs among wolves, emphasizing trust in divine providence. Their task is to proclaim the nearness of God's kingdom, heal the sick, and accept hospitality where offered. This passage underscores the importance of reliance on God's grace and the courage to fulfill one's calling, even in uncertain circumstances.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Like Job, we may face trials that test our faith, yet his example encourages us to remain steadfast. Like the disciples, we are called to embrace our mission with trust, whether in serving others or navigating life's challenges. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's providence and remain faithful, for it is through this trust that we find strength and purpose.