Daily Readings - Mon Sep 30 2024
Job
6Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.7The LORD said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it."8And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?"9Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason?10Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.11But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face."12And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.13Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,14and there came a messenger to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,15and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."16While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you."17While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."18While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,19and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you."20Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.21And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."22In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
Luke
46An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.47But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side48and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great."49John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us."50But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on faith and humility. The story of Job presents a man who, despite unimaginable suffering, chooses to trust God. Job's declaration, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord," exemplifies unwavering faith in the face of adversity. This response isn't born of passivity but of a deep trust in God's plan, even when it's unclear.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about true greatness through the example of a child, emphasizing humility and service. He challenges their notions of power and status, reminding them that receiving a child in His name is akin to receiving Him. This lesson extends further when Jesus encourages inclusivity, stating that those who work in His name, even if not part of their group, are allies. This challenges us to embrace a broader view of community and ministry.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith and service. Like Job, we may face trials that test our trust in God. Like the disciples, we may need to reevaluate our understanding of greatness. Let us strive to trust God in all circumstances and serve others with humility, remembering that true greatness lies in selfless love and service. May we, like Job, remain faithful and, like Jesus, embrace humility and inclusivity in our daily lives.