Daily Readings - Sat Oct 14 2017
Joel
12Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.13Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great.14Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.15The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.16The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel.17"So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it.18"And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim.19"Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the people of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.20But Judah shall be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem to all generations.21I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the LORD dwells in Zion."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about God’s judgment, restoration, and the true nature of blessedness. The first reading from Joel paints a vivid picture of the Day of the Lord, a time of reckoning for the nations. Joel describes a valley of judgment where God will sit in judgment, separating the wicked from the righteous. Yet, amidst this imagery of judgment, there is also a promise of restoration. Joel envisions a future where Jerusalem is holy, and the land flows with abundance, symbolizing God’s ultimate plan to renew and restore creation. This passage reminds us that God’s justice is not merely punitive but is tied to His desire to bring life and flourishing to His people.
The Gospel reading from Luke shifts our focus to the nature of true blessedness. A woman from the crowd praises Jesus’ mother, but Jesus redirects her attention. He says, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” This exchange highlights that true blessedness is not found in physical relationships or earthly ties but in a deep, spiritual connection to God. Jesus is not dismissing the importance of family, but He is emphasizing that our ultimate fulfillment comes from living in accordance with God’s will. This teaching challenges us to examine our priorities and ensure that our lives are rooted in faith and obedience to God’s word.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Joel’s vision of judgment and restoration calls us to consider how we align our lives with God’s justice and mercy. Are we living in a way that reflects His love and care for all people? The Gospel reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment come from a life of faith and obedience. As we go about our day, let us ask ourselves: Am I hearing and keeping God’s word? Am I trusting in His plan, even when the path is uncertain? May we find our hope and strength in the Lord, knowing that He is our refuge and our guide, both now and forever.