Daily Readings - Sat Oct 06 2018
Job
1Then Job answered the LORD and said:2"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.3'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.5I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;6therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."12And the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.13He had also seven sons and three daughters.15And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job's daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.16And after this Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, four generations.17And Job died, an old man, and full of days.
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 narratives that invite us to reflect on humility and our relationship with God. The first reading from Job brings us to the culmination of his story, where, after enduring immense suffering and questioning God's ways, Job humbly acknowledges the limits of his understanding. He recognizes God's omnipotence and repents, leading to his restoration and blessings. This passage underscores the theme of humility and trust in divine providence.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scene. The seventy-two disciples return elated from their missionary work, having successfully cast out demons. Jesus, while affirming their efforts, redirects their focus. He cautions them against rejoicing in their power over spirits and instead points them to the greater joy of having their names written in heaven. Jesus then praises the Father for revealing divine truths to the humble, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is a gift granted to those who approach with a humble heart.
These readings converge on the theme of humility as the foundation for a deeper relationship with God. Job's humility leads to restoration, while the disciples' humility opens them to the true nature of God's revelation. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace humility, recognizing that true joy and understanding come not from earthly successes or power, but from a humble and trusting relationship with God. Let us, like Job and the disciples, approach life with humility, allowing God to reveal His truths and guide us on our journey.