Daily Readings - Sat Oct 01 2022
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, 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.