Daily Readings - Sat Oct 05 2019
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the interplay between sorrow, repentance, and the ultimate hope of salvation. In the first reading from Baruch, Jerusalem mourns the exile of her children, lamenting their suffering as a result of their sins. She acknowledges that their estrangement from God has brought about their captivity, yet she encourages her children to remain peaceful and to call out to the Lord, trusting in his mercy and the promise of restoration. This passage reminds us that while sin and rebellion can lead to darkness, God’s love and forgiveness are always available to those who return to him.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples after their successful mission, cautioning them not to rejoice merely in their power over evil spirits but to find true joy in the fact that their names are written in heaven. He emphasizes the Father’s delight in revealing divine truths to the humble and the “little ones,” rather than to the wise and powerful. This teaching underscores the importance of humility and trust in God’s plan, rather than relying on human strength or accomplishments.
Together, these readings remind us that our true strength and joy come not from our own efforts or victories, but from our relationship with God. Like the exiles in Baruch, we are called to acknowledge our sins and return to the Lord with humility. Like the disciples in Luke, we are invited to trust in God’s plan and to find our ultimate happiness in the knowledge that we belong to him. Let us, therefore, approach each day with a contrite heart, seeking to deepen our union with God and to live in accordance with his will.