Daily Readings - Sat Oct 06 2018
Job
1Then Job replied to the LORD:2"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.3You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.5My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.6Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."12The LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys.13And he also had seven sons and three daughters.15Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job's daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.16After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation.17And so he died, old and full of years.
Luke
17The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."18He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.20However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."21At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.22"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."23Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.24For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on humility and our relationship with God. The first reading from Job brings us to the culmination of his story, where, after enduring immense suffering and questioning God's ways, Job humbly acknowledges the limits of his understanding. He recognizes God's omnipotence and repents, leading to his restoration and blessings. This passage underscores the theme of humility and trust in divine providence.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scene. The seventy-two disciples return elated from their missionary work, having successfully cast out demons. Jesus, while affirming their efforts, redirects their focus. He cautions them against rejoicing in their power over spirits and instead points them to the greater joy of having their names written in heaven. Jesus then praises the Father for revealing divine truths to the humble, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is a gift granted to those who approach with a humble heart.
These readings converge on the theme of humility as the foundation for a deeper relationship with God. Job's humility leads to restoration, while the disciples' humility opens them to the true nature of God's revelation. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace humility, recognizing that true joy and understanding come not from earthly successes or power, but from a humble and trusting relationship with God. Let us, like Job and the disciples, approach life with humility, allowing God to reveal His truths and guide us on our journey.