Daily Readings - Thu Oct 04 2018
Job
21Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.22Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?23Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!24That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!25For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:26And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:27Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Luke
1After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.2Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.6And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.7And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.8And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:9And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.10But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,11Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.12But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and the call to mission. In the first reading from Job, we encounter a man deeply afflicted, yet unwavering in his belief in God’s justice and redemption. Job cries out for compassion from his friends, but more importantly, he expresses his unshakable hope in his Redeemer, who will one day raise him from the earth. This passage reminds us that even in the midst of suffering, faith can sustain us and lead us to trust in God’s ultimate plan.
In the Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to prepare the way for his coming. He instructs them to go forth with simplicity, trusting in God’s providence rather than relying on material possessions or worldly comforts. They are to bring peace, healing, and the message of the kingdom of God. This mission is not without challenge, as Jesus warns them of rejection, but he assures them that their efforts are not in vain. The kingdom of God will draw near, and even in rejection, the message of salvation remains.
These readings are deeply connected. Job’s faith in the midst of suffering mirrors the trust required of the disciples as they embark on their mission. Both remind us that following God’s will often involves embracing uncertainty and hardship. In our daily lives, we are called to be like Job, holding fast to hope even when circumstances seem overwhelming. We are also called to be like the disciples, sharing the Good News of God’s love with courage and simplicity. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s plan for us? Are we willing to step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain? May we find strength in the example of Job and the mission of the disciples, and may we live each day with hope and purpose, knowing that God’s kingdom is near.