💖 HOMILY - OCTOBER 3 💖

First Reading - Job 19:21-27 

Gospel - Luke 10:1-12

As we reflect on today’s readings, a common theme emerges that draws both the story of Job and the sending of the 72 disciples into one message: the call to trust in God amidst challenges, suffering, and uncertainty. In both readings, we encounter figures who face difficult circumstances, yet respond with faith and a deep reliance on God. In Job, we see a man crushed by immense personal loss and physical suffering, while in the Gospel, we find disciples being sent out into a world where they are vulnerable, like “lambs among wolves.”

Job, after having lost everything—his family, his health, and his wealth—cries out to God in anguish. Despite his suffering, he holds onto a firm belief that his Redeemer lives. His declaration, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end, He will stand on the earth,” shows his deep faith that, even in the midst of pain, God is faithful and just. Job does not understand why he is suffering, but he chooses to trust in God's ultimate justice and redemption.

This trust in the unseen is mirrored in the Gospel when Jesus sends out the 72 disciples. They are sent with very little—no money, no extra clothes, and no certainty of how they will be received. Their mission is to proclaim that “the Kingdom of God has come near,” despite the fact that they will encounter hostility and rejection. Jesus is asking them to trust in Him completely, even when they face wolves in sheep's clothing. They are not to rely on material security or comfort but on God’s providence and the peace they bring in His name.

At the heart of both these stories is the lesson that trust in God must remain steadfast, regardless of the hardships we face. Both Job and the disciples are placed in situations that demand an abandonment of human security and an embrace of divine reliance. For Job, his faith carries him through suffering. For the disciples, their mission is sustained by their trust in the Lord who sent them.

What does this mean for us today?

First, it reminds us that life’s challenges are unavoidable. Whether it's personal suffering like Job’s or the challenges of living out our faith in the world like the 72 disciples, we will face moments when we are asked to trust God, even when we don't fully understand His plan. In times of hardship, we often seek answers, solutions, or immediate relief. However, like Job, we may not always receive clear answers in the moment. What we are called to do is to trust in the Redeemer who is always at work, even when things seem bleak.

Second, it is a call to live our mission with faith, despite the difficulties. Each of us, like the disciples, has been sent into the world to live and share the Gospel. We may not face literal wolves, but we will encounter opposition, indifference, or even rejection as we try to live out our Christian calling. Jesus sends us out, knowing that we will face such difficulties, but He promises that we do not go alone. We are armed with the peace of Christ and the message of the Kingdom of God.

Third, these readings invite us to examine how much we rely on material comforts for our sense of security. Jesus sends the disciples out with nothing but their faith in God’s provision. This challenges us to ask ourselves: what do we rely on? Are we willing to let go of our reliance on material things, control, or certainty, and instead place our trust in God’s care and providence?

Finally, we are reminded that God’s Kingdom is near, and it is not dependent on earthly circumstances. In both stories, the presence of God is not diminished by suffering or by the uncertainties of mission. In fact, it is often in these moments that God’s Kingdom is most powerfully revealed. Job declares his faith in the Redeemer while still in pain, and the disciples proclaim the nearness of God’s Kingdom while facing rejection. This teaches us that the reality of God’s Kingdom is not contingent upon our current struggles—it is always near, always present, and always advancing.

So, dear friends , let us take heart from these readings. Like Job, may we hold onto the belief that our Redeemer lives, even in the midst of suffering. And like the disciples, may we embrace the mission Christ has given us, trusting in His provision and bringing His peace to all we encounter. We are called to live in faith, trusting that God is with us, whether we are enduring trials or spreading His Word in an uncertain world.

Let us go forward today with courage and faith, knowing that God is our strength and that His Kingdom is always near. Amen.