Daily Readings - Sat Oct 03 2020
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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, humility, and trust in God. The first reading from Job concludes his story of immense suffering and unwavering faith. Despite losing everything, Job humbly acknowledges God's sovereignty, leading to even greater blessings. This teaches us that perseverance through trials can result in profound spiritual growth and renewed blessings.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the disciples, who return exhilarated from their mission, having cast out demons. Jesus redirects their joy from their accomplishments to the fact that their names are written in heaven. He praises the Father for revealing truths to the humble, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from recognizing God's grace rather than human achievements.
Both readings remind us to trust in God's plan and remain humble. Like Job, we may face challenges, but faith can lead to deeper blessings. Like the disciples, our joy should stem from our relationship with God, not just our deeds. In our daily lives, let us embrace humility, trust in God's sovereignty, and find joy in His presence. May we stay grounded in faith, recognizing God's work in our lives and the world around us.