Daily Readings - Sat Oct 01 2022
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, trust in God, and the true source of our joy. The first reading from Job brings us to the culmination of his story, where, after immense suffering and questioning, Job humbly acknowledges God’s power and wisdom. Despite losing everything, Job’s faith endures, and he comes to a deeper understanding of God’s ways. This humility leads to a restoration of his blessings, but more importantly, it deepens his relationship with God. The Gospel, on the other hand, shows us the disciples returning from their mission, rejoicing in their newfound power to cast out demons. Jesus, however, redirects their focus, reminding them that their true joy should lie in the fact that their names are written in heaven, not in their earthly accomplishments.
Both readings highlight the importance of perspective and trust in God. Job’s story teaches us that even in the midst of suffering, we must remain humble and recognize God’s sovereignty. The Gospel reminds us that our ultimate reward is not in the powers or successes we achieve in this world but in our relationship with God. The disciples were given extraordinary gifts, but Jesus wanted them to see beyond the immediate to the eternal. Similarly, we are called to look beyond our own achievements and remember that our true identity and joy come from being children of God.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Where do we place our trust and joy? Do we find our strength in God’s providence, or do we rely on our own abilities? Like Job, we may face trials that test our faith, but through humility and trust, we can emerge closer to God. Like the disciples, we may experience moments of triumph, but let us not forget that our ultimate victory is in heaven. May we, like Job, find ourselves reprehensible in our own eyes and turn to God with repentant hearts. May we, like the disciples, see the world through the eyes of faith and rejoice in the eternal truths that only God can reveal.