Daily Readings - Fri Oct 04 2024
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of encounter with the divine. The first reading from Job finds the protagonist humbled by God's questioning, which underscores human limitations and God's vastness. Job's response is one of humility and acknowledgment of his finite understanding. In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, rebuking their lack of repentance despite witnessing miracles, contrasting their fate with that of Tyre and Sidon, which, though sinful, will find forgiveness.
These passages highlight the importance of humility and responsiveness to God's presence. Job's humility stands in contrast to the towns' hardness of heart, illustrating the necessity of openness to divine messages. The readings remind us that recognizing our limitations and being receptive to God's will are essential for spiritual growth.
In our daily lives, this teaches us to approach challenges with humility and openness. Just as Job acknowledged his limitations and the towns were called to repentance, we too must remain humble and responsive to God's guidance. This humility allows us to navigate life's complexities with grace and openness, fostering a deeper connection with the divine.