Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 3, 2024
First Reading: Job 19.21-27
21"Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me.22Why do you pursue me as God does? Will you never get enough of my flesh?23"Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll,24that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!25I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.26And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;27I myself will see him with my own eyes-I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?2When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.4One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.5For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.8My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.9Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.11Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.13I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Gospel: Luke 10.1-12
1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.3Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.4Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.5"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.'6If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.7Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.8"When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you.9Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'10But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say,11'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.'12I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound expressions of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Job 19:21-27 presents Job in the depths of his suffering, yet he clings to his faith in a Redeemer. Despite being pursued and overwhelmed, Job's trust in God's plan and ultimate redemption shines through. His words are a testament to the human spirit's capacity to hold onto hope even in the darkest moments.
The Gospel from Luke 10:1-12 shifts our focus to the mission of the disciples. Jesus sends them out with minimal provisions, akin to lambs among wolves, emphasizing trust in divine providence. Their task is to proclaim the nearness of God's kingdom, heal the sick, and accept hospitality where offered. This passage underscores the importance of reliance on God's grace and the courage to fulfill one's calling, even in uncertain circumstances.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Like Job, we may face trials that test our faith, yet his example encourages us to remain steadfast. Like the disciples, we are called to embrace our mission with trust, whether in serving others or navigating life's challenges. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's providence and remain faithful, for it is through this trust that we find strength and purpose.