Daily Readings - Sat Oct 03 2020
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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, humility, and trust in God. The first reading from Job concludes his story of immense suffering and unwavering faith. Despite losing everything, Job humbly acknowledges God's sovereignty, leading to even greater blessings. This teaches us that perseverance through trials can result in profound spiritual growth and renewed blessings.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the disciples, who return exhilarated from their mission, having cast out demons. Jesus redirects their joy from their accomplishments to the fact that their names are written in heaven. He praises the Father for revealing truths to the humble, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from recognizing God's grace rather than human achievements.
Both readings remind us to trust in God's plan and remain humble. Like Job, we may face challenges, but faith can lead to deeper blessings. Like the disciples, our joy should stem from our relationship with God, not just our deeds. In our daily lives, let us embrace humility, trust in God's sovereignty, and find joy in His presence. May we stay grounded in faith, recognizing God's work in our lives and the world around us.