Daily Readings - Sat Oct 01 2022
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, trust in God, and the true source of our joy. The first reading from Job brings us to the culmination of his story, where, after immense suffering and questioning, Job humbly acknowledges God’s power and wisdom. Despite losing everything, Job’s faith endures, and he comes to a deeper understanding of God’s ways. This humility leads to a restoration of his blessings, but more importantly, it deepens his relationship with God. The Gospel, on the other hand, shows us the disciples returning from their mission, rejoicing in their newfound power to cast out demons. Jesus, however, redirects their focus, reminding them that their true joy should lie in the fact that their names are written in heaven, not in their earthly accomplishments.
Both readings highlight the importance of perspective and trust in God. Job’s story teaches us that even in the midst of suffering, we must remain humble and recognize God’s sovereignty. The Gospel reminds us that our ultimate reward is not in the powers or successes we achieve in this world but in our relationship with God. The disciples were given extraordinary gifts, but Jesus wanted them to see beyond the immediate to the eternal. Similarly, we are called to look beyond our own achievements and remember that our true identity and joy come from being children of God.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Where do we place our trust and joy? Do we find our strength in God’s providence, or do we rely on our own abilities? Like Job, we may face trials that test our faith, but through humility and trust, we can emerge closer to God. Like the disciples, we may experience moments of triumph, but let us not forget that our ultimate victory is in heaven. May we, like Job, find ourselves reprehensible in our own eyes and turn to God with repentant hearts. May we, like the disciples, see the world through the eyes of faith and rejoice in the eternal truths that only God can reveal.