Daily Readings - Mon Sep 30 2024
Job
6One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them.7The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."8Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."9"Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied.10"Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.11But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."12The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.13One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,14a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby,15and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"16While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"17While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"18While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,19when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"20At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship21and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."22In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Luke
46An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.47Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.48Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest."49"Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."50"Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on faith and humility. The story of Job presents a man who, despite unimaginable suffering, chooses to trust God. Job's declaration, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord," exemplifies unwavering faith in the face of adversity. This response isn't born of passivity but of a deep trust in God's plan, even when it's unclear.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about true greatness through the example of a child, emphasizing humility and service. He challenges their notions of power and status, reminding them that receiving a child in His name is akin to receiving Him. This lesson extends further when Jesus encourages inclusivity, stating that those who work in His name, even if not part of their group, are allies. This challenges us to embrace a broader view of community and ministry.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith and service. Like Job, we may face trials that test our trust in God. Like the disciples, we may need to reevaluate our understanding of greatness. Let us strive to trust God in all circumstances and serve others with humility, remembering that true greatness lies in selfless love and service. May we, like Job, remain faithful and, like Jesus, embrace humility and inclusivity in our daily lives.