Daily Readings for October 1, 2018

Memorial of St. Therese of Lisieux, virgin and Doctor of the Church

1st READING

Satan misjudged Job’s character and he loses his bet with God. Despite all the suffering he endures, Job remains faithful to God. We are very quick to turn against Him when something goes wrong, but it takes an eternity to thank Him for His blessings. Why this double standard? Perhaps this is part of concupiscence – not only does it lead us to sin, but it also dulls us to the blessings of God.

Job 1:6-22 (or Isaiah 66:10-14)

6 One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan also came among them. 7 And the Lord said to Satan, “Whence do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming the earth and patrolling it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job, and that there is no one on earth like him, blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?” 9 But Satan answered the Lord and said, “Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing? 10 Have you not surrounded him and his family and all that he has with your protection? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock are spread over the land. 11 But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has, and surely he will blaspheme you to your face.” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand upon his person.” So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. 13 And so one day, while his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were ploughing and the asses grazing beside them, 15 and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid. They put the herdsmen to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Lightning has fallen from heaven and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three columns, seized the camels, carried them off, and put those tending them to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, 19 when suddenly a great wind came across the desert and smote the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 20 Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair. He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, 21 and said, “Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” 22 In all this, Job did not sin nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

P S A LM 

Psalm 17:1, 2-3, 6-7 (or Psalm 131:1, 2, 3)

R: Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

1 Hear, O Lord, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. (R) 2 From you let my judgment come; your eyes behold what is right. 3 Though you test my heart, searching it in the night, though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me. (R) 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. 7 Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand. (R)

GOSPEL 

True greatness is measured by living a humble life. A humble person will give credit where credit is due, and in the case of our faith, that is a hundred percent to God. Only God saves; we cannot earn salvation and we certainly cannot achieve it on our own.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Luke 9:46-50 (or Matthew 18:1-4)

46 An argument arose among the disciples about who among them was the greatest. 47 Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” 49 Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”