Daily Readings - Sat Oct 07 2017
First Reading - Baruch 4.5-12, 27-29
Gospel - Luke 10.17-24
Luke
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on our relationship with God. The passage from Baruch presents a somber tone, addressing the consequences of turning away from God. It speaks of a people who, through their sins, faced adversity and the sorrow of a mother figure, Jerusalem, mourning her children's estrangement from God. Yet, amidst this sorrow, there is hope—a call to repentance and trust in God's enduring mercy.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the disciples' return from their mission, rejoicing in their newfound power over demons. Jesus, however, redirects their joy, urging them to find true rejoicing in the fact that their names are written in heaven. He praises the Father for revealing divine truths to the humble, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is a gift from God, not a result of human wisdom. This passage underscores the importance of humility and gratitude in our spiritual journey.
Both readings guide us to reflect on our own lives. Baruch reminds us to acknowledge our sins and return to God with repentant hearts, while Luke encourages us to approach our spiritual gifts with humility and gratitude. In our daily lives, let us cultivate self-awareness, seeking to recognize when we stray from God's path. Let us trust in His mercy and remain humble, understanding that our spiritual successes are not our own doing but a grace from God. May we find joy in our relationship with God and remain thankful for the revelations He grants us.