Daily Readings - Sat Oct 09 2021
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 profound messages about God's judgment, mercy, and the true nature of blessedness. The first reading from Joel vividly describes the Day of the Lord, a time of reckoning where nations are judged in the valley of Jehoshaphat. Joel paints a dramatic scene of cosmic upheaval—darkened sun, moon, and stars—and a fountain from the Lord's house bringing life to a desolate land. This apocalyptic vision underscores God's justice and His ultimate restoration of Israel, where Judea will flourish eternally.
The Gospel shifts our focus from external judgment to internal faith. When a woman praises Jesus' mother, He redirects her attention, emphasizing that true blessedness comes not from physical ties but from hearing and keeping God's word. This exchange highlights the importance of spiritual obedience over earthly connections, inviting us to reflect on our commitment to living according to God's teachings.
Together, these readings remind us that while God's judgment is inevitable, His mercy and restoration are available to those who align their lives with His will. As we navigate our daily lives, let us examine our actions and hearts, ensuring they reflect a genuine faith. The truest blessedness lies not in worldly comforts but in faithfully following God's word, which guides us toward a life of purpose and righteousness.