Daily Readings - Fri Sep 30 2022
Job
12Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;13That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?14It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.15And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.16Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?17Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?18Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.19Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,20That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?21Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?
Luke
13Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.14But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.15And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.16He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of humility, accountability, and the call to repentance. In the first reading from the Book of Job, we encounter a dramatic moment in which God speaks to Job, challenging him with a series of rhetorical questions that underscore the vastness of divine wisdom and power. Job, who has endured immense suffering and questioned God’s justice, is brought to a place of profound humility. He acknowledges his own limitations and the mystery of God’s ways, saying, “What could I possibly answer, since I have been speaking thoughtlessly? I will place my hand over my mouth.” This moment marks a turning point for Job, as he learns to trust in God’s providence without fully understanding it.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, reproaching them for their lack of repentance despite the miracles He performed in their midst. He warns them that on the day of judgment, the pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon, which were not given such gifts, will fare better than they will. This passage emphasizes the gravity of spiritual complacency and the importance of responding to God’s grace with humility and conversion. Jesus’ words remind us that the greater the blessings we receive, the greater our responsibility to use them well.
These readings are deeply connected. Both Job and the towns in the Gospel are called to recognize the gifts they have been given and to respond with humility and faith. Job’s story teaches us that true wisdom lies in acknowledging our own limitations and trusting in God’s plan, even when we cannot fully understand it. The Gospel, on the other hand, challenges us to examine how we respond to the blessings and opportunities God has given us. Do we take them for granted, or do we allow them to transform us and lead us to repentance?
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to the gifts and challenges in our own lives? Do we approach them with humility and gratitude, or with pride and indifference? Let us learn from Job’s example, placing our hands over our mouths when we are tempted to question God’s ways, and instead, seek to trust in His providence. And let us heed Jesus’ warning, recognizing that the blessings we receive bring not only joy but also a call to conversion and fidelity. May we strive to live with humility, gratitude, and a deep commitment to following God’s will in our daily lives.