Daily Readings - Sat Oct 07 2017
Luke
17The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!"18And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.19Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.20Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."21In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.22All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."23Then turning to the disciples he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!24For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on our relationship with God. The passage from Baruch presents a somber tone, addressing the consequences of turning away from God. It speaks of a people who, through their sins, faced adversity and the sorrow of a mother figure, Jerusalem, mourning her children's estrangement from God. Yet, amidst this sorrow, there is hope—a call to repentance and trust in God's enduring mercy.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the disciples' return from their mission, rejoicing in their newfound power over demons. Jesus, however, redirects their joy, urging them to find true rejoicing in the fact that their names are written in heaven. He praises the Father for revealing divine truths to the humble, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is a gift from God, not a result of human wisdom. This passage underscores the importance of humility and gratitude in our spiritual journey.
Both readings guide us to reflect on our own lives. Baruch reminds us to acknowledge our sins and return to God with repentant hearts, while Luke encourages us to approach our spiritual gifts with humility and gratitude. In our daily lives, let us cultivate self-awareness, seeking to recognize when we stray from God's path. Let us trust in His mercy and remain humble, understanding that our spiritual successes are not our own doing but a grace from God. May we find joy in our relationship with God and remain thankful for the revelations He grants us.