Daily Readings - Sat Nov 02 2024
Job
1Then Job answered and said,23Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!24That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!25For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:26And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:27Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
1 Corinthians
20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
John
23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound themes of hope, resurrection, and self-sacrifice, woven together to guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Job presents a man in the depths of suffering, yet unwavering in his faith. Job's declaration of hope in a Redeemer who will one day rise from the earth resonates deeply, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God's promise of redemption endures.
The second reading from 1 Corinthians shifts our gaze to the triumph of Christ's resurrection. Paul highlights that just as death came through Adam, so too does new life come through Christ. This passage underscores the universal impact of Christ's victory over death, offering us all the promise of eternal life. It invites us to reflect on our place within this grand narrative of salvation.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the metaphor of the grain of wheat to illustrate the paradox of Christian life: true life comes through self-sacrifice. He calls us to follow Him, embracing the path of service and love. This teaching challenges us to reevaluate our priorities, encouraging us to let go of selfish desires and instead find fulfillment in serving others.
As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded that our faith is rooted in the hope of resurrection. Like Job, we can trust in God's plan even when it's unclear. Like the grain of wheat, we are called to die to ourselves that we might bear fruit. Let us embrace this call to selfless love, trusting that our sacrifices will lead to eternal life. May we follow Christ's example, serving others and honoring God in all we do.