Daily Readings - Sat Oct 06 2018
Job
1Then Job answered the LORD, and said,2I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.3Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.5I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.6Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.12So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.13He had also seven sons and three daughters.15And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.16After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.17So Job died, being old and full of days.
Luke
17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.19Behold, 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.20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.21In 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.22All 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.23And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:24For 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 narratives that invite us to reflect on humility and our relationship with God. The first reading from Job brings us to the culmination of his story, where, after enduring immense suffering and questioning God's ways, Job humbly acknowledges the limits of his understanding. He recognizes God's omnipotence and repents, leading to his restoration and blessings. This passage underscores the theme of humility and trust in divine providence.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scene. The seventy-two disciples return elated from their missionary work, having successfully cast out demons. Jesus, while affirming their efforts, redirects their focus. He cautions them against rejoicing in their power over spirits and instead points them to the greater joy of having their names written in heaven. Jesus then praises the Father for revealing divine truths to the humble, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is a gift granted to those who approach with a humble heart.
These readings converge on the theme of humility as the foundation for a deeper relationship with God. Job's humility leads to restoration, while the disciples' humility opens them to the true nature of God's revelation. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace humility, recognizing that true joy and understanding come not from earthly successes or power, but from a humble and trusting relationship with God. Let us, like Job and the disciples, approach life with humility, allowing God to reveal His truths and guide us on our journey.