1st READING
Job’s faithfulness becomes a source of blessing. Of course, nothing can replace the children he has lost, but to be given more children is also a blessing from the Lord. Remember that faithfulness to God does not mean that we will receive a great number of blessings, but we can be sure that if we remain faithful to Him, the most important blessing of salvation will remain safe and secure in our possession. This is the only blessing that matters and the basis of eternal life.
Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17
1 Job answered the Lord and said: 2 I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered. 3 I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know. 5 I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you. 6 Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes. 12 Thus the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his earlier ones. For he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses. 13 And he had seven sons and three daughters, 14 of whom he called the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Kerenhappuch. 15 In all the land no other women were as beautiful as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them an inheritance among their brethren. 16 After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; and he saw his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren. 17 Then Job died, old and full of years.
Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130
R: Lord, let your face shine on me.
66 Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in your commands I trust. (R) 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes. (R) 75 I know, O Lord, that your ordinances are just, and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me. (R) 91 According to your ordinances they still stand firm: all things serve you. (R) 125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may know your decrees. (R) 130 The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. (R)
GOSPEL
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel, and many of His listeners have initially doubted His Word as it was too good to be true. Why would God give us another chance when we have a tendency to sin even after being forgiven many times? This is who God is—He is a God of mercy and compassion, rich in love and forgiveness and slow to judge and condemn.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
17 The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing, and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” 18 Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. 19 Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” 21 At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” 23 Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
Reflect: “Because our Father in heaven loves us, His plan included the role of a savior.” – Allen D. Haynie
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T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
thank You, Lord, for:
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Read the Bible in one year - Ecclesiastes 1-4
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