Daily Readings - Sat Oct 03 2020
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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, humility, and trust in God. The first reading from Job concludes his story of immense suffering and unwavering faith. Despite losing everything, Job humbly acknowledges God's sovereignty, leading to even greater blessings. This teaches us that perseverance through trials can result in profound spiritual growth and renewed blessings.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the disciples, who return exhilarated from their mission, having cast out demons. Jesus redirects their joy from their accomplishments to the fact that their names are written in heaven. He praises the Father for revealing truths to the humble, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from recognizing God's grace rather than human achievements.
Both readings remind us to trust in God's plan and remain humble. Like Job, we may face challenges, but faith can lead to deeper blessings. Like the disciples, our joy should stem from our relationship with God, not just our deeds. In our daily lives, let us embrace humility, trust in God's sovereignty, and find joy in His presence. May we stay grounded in faith, recognizing God's work in our lives and the world around us.