Daily Readings - Fri Oct 04 2024
Job
12Did you, after your birth, command the birth of the sun and show the sunrise its place13And did you hold the extremities of the earth, shaking them, and have you shaken the impious out of it14The seal will be restored like clay, and it will remain in place like a garment15From the impious, the light will be taken away, and the exalted arm will be broken16Have you entered the depths of the sea, and have you taken a walk in the uttermost parts of the abyss17Have the gates of death been opened to you, and have you seen the doors of darkness18Have you considered the breadth of the earth? If you know all things, reveal them to me19Which is the way that holds the light, and which is the place of darkness20In this way, you might lead each thing to its final place, and understand the paths of its house21So then, did you know when you were to be born? And did you know the number of your days
Luke
13Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that have been wrought in you, had been wrought in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in haircloth and ashes14Yet truly, Tyre and Sidon will be forgiven more in the judgment than you will be15And as for you, Capernaum, who would be exalted even up to Heaven: you shall be submerged into Hell16Whoever hears you, hears me. And whoever despises you, despises me. And whoever despises me, despises him who sent me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of encounter with the divine. The first reading from Job finds the protagonist humbled by God's questioning, which underscores human limitations and God's vastness. Job's response is one of humility and acknowledgment of his finite understanding. In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, rebuking their lack of repentance despite witnessing miracles, contrasting their fate with that of Tyre and Sidon, which, though sinful, will find forgiveness.
These passages highlight the importance of humility and responsiveness to God's presence. Job's humility stands in contrast to the towns' hardness of heart, illustrating the necessity of openness to divine messages. The readings remind us that recognizing our limitations and being receptive to God's will are essential for spiritual growth.
In our daily lives, this teaches us to approach challenges with humility and openness. Just as Job acknowledged his limitations and the towns were called to repentance, we too must remain humble and responsive to God's guidance. This humility allows us to navigate life's complexities with grace and openness, fostering a deeper connection with the divine.