A Call to Trust and Proclaim God’s Kingdom

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on some of life’s most profound spiritual realities: suffering, longing for God, and the urgency of spreading the Gospel message. From Job’s unwavering belief in the face of immense personal tragedy, to the psalmist’s cry for God’s comforting presence, and finally Jesus’ call for workers to harvest the fields, these readings offer a unifying message of hope, faith, and action. The theme that ties these Scriptures together is the belief in a living and just God who walks with us through every circumstance—whether it’s in suffering, waiting, or proclaiming the Good News.

Historically and culturally, each reading comes from a unique background, yet all point us toward an essential truth: our relationship with God defines how we respond to life’s greatest challenges. Job, written during Israel’s wisdom tradition period, gives voice to the question of human suffering. The Psalms, which are Israel’s hymnal and prayer book, reflect the psalmist’s personal plea for God’s presence amid trials. Finally, Luke’s Gospel records Jesus sending out disciples to preach the coming of the Kingdom—an urgent call that still resonates with us today. Together, these readings remind us that faith is not passive but dynamic, urging us to trust God and participate in His mission.

Let’s explore these readings in greater depth, guided by Church tradition, the Catechism, and the insights of the Saints.

First Reading – Job 19:21-27

Job’s Cry of Hope Amidst Suffering

The Book of Job is one of the most profound works of wisdom literature in the Old Testament. It tackles the question of why innocent people suffer, a dilemma that has echoed through every generation. Job, a righteous man, is suddenly struck by a series of calamities: his children die, his wealth is taken, and his health deteriorates. In ancient Near Eastern culture, suffering was often seen as a sign of divine punishment, and Job’s friends accuse him of hidden sin. Yet, Job maintains his innocence and wrestles with the nature of God’s justice.

By Job 19, Job has grown frustrated with his friends’ lack of compassion and their simplistic explanations for his suffering. Yet in the midst of his pain, Job delivers one of the most powerful affirmations of faith in Scripture: “I know that my Redeemer lives.“ This statement becomes a turning point in Job’s lament—a moment where hope shines through despair. Historically, this passage has been interpreted by the Church as a foreshadowing of the resurrection and Christ’s role as the ultimate Redeemer.

Job 19:21-27
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

²¹ Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends,
    for the hand of God has touched me!
²² Why do you, like God, pursue me,
    never satisfied with my flesh?
²³ “O that my words were written down!
    O that they were inscribed in a book!
²⁴ O that with an iron pen and with lead
    they were engraved on a rock forever!
²⁵ For I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and that at the last he will stand upon the earth;
²⁶ and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    then in my flesh I shall see God,
²⁷ whom I shall see on my side,
    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
    My heart faints within me!

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 21: “Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me!”
Job begins by pleading with his friends, who have done little but accuse and criticize him. Their inability to show compassion reflects how often people in suffering feel abandoned by those around them. Job’s assertion that “the hand of God has touched me” acknowledges that he sees his suffering as part of a divine plan, even though he doesn’t fully understand it. The Catechism teaches that suffering can be redemptive when united to Christ’s suffering (CCC 618).

Verse 22: “Why do you, like God, pursue me, never satisfied with my flesh?”
In this verse, Job confronts his friends directly, accusing them of acting like God in their judgment of him. They relentlessly critique his every word and action, as though they were God themselves. This invites us to examine how we treat those who are suffering: do we offer them compassion and solidarity, or do we, like Job’s friends, add to their burden?

Verse 23-24: “O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever!”
Job longs for his suffering and his words to be remembered forever. His desire for his story to be “engraved on a rock” reflects a deep yearning for vindication and eternal truth. Ironically, Job’s words were indeed recorded in Scripture, which has been read and reflected on for thousands of years. This is a reminder that our suffering, too, can have lasting value when we trust God to use it for His purposes.

Verse 25: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth.”
This verse marks the heart of Job’s faith. Despite everything, Job proclaims his belief in a Redeemer who lives and will ultimately vindicate him. The term “Redeemer” here, in its original Hebrew context, refers to a “kinsman-redeemer,” someone who would advocate for a wronged family member. The Church Fathers saw in this verse a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ, our Redeemer, who will return to set all things right at the end of time (CCC 1064). Even in his lowest moment, Job expresses a profound hope in God’s ultimate justice.

Verse 26: “And after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God.”
Job’s faith extends beyond death. He believes that, even though his body will decay, he will see God in his flesh. This is an incredible statement of belief in bodily resurrection, a doctrine central to Christian faith and proclaimed in the Apostles’ Creed (CCC 988). Job’s words encourage us to look beyond our earthly suffering toward the eternal life that awaits us in God’s presence.

Verse 27: “Whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!”
Job anticipates not only seeing God but seeing Him as his advocate. This is a powerful affirmation that God is for us, not against us (Romans 8:31). His longing to behold God face-to-face is echoed throughout Scripture, particularly in the Psalms and the Beatitudes, where Jesus promises that the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). Job’s “heart faints” because his desire for God is so overwhelming—a reminder to us that our ultimate longing should always be for God.

Teachings and References

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that suffering can be a path to greater communion with Christ. By uniting our sufferings to Christ, we participate in His redemptive work (CCC 618). Job’s belief in a Redeemer who lives foreshadows Christ’s resurrection and the Christian hope of eternal life.

The Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine and St. Gregory the Great, often interpreted Job as a figure of Christ. St. Gregory wrote that Job’s suffering prefigures the sufferings of Christ, who, though innocent, bore the sins of the world.

Reflection: Finding Hope in Despair

Job’s unwavering belief in his Redeemer offers us a model of faith in times of darkness. His declaration that “I know that my Redeemer lives” challenges us to hold on to hope, even when everything around us seems to fall apart. When you face trials, do you turn to God as Job did, or do you despair? This passage invites us to bring our suffering to God, trusting that He is with us and that, like Job, we will one day see Him face to face. Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or misunderstood. How did your faith in God sustain you through that season?

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14

A Heart Longing for God

Psalm 27 is one of the most beloved psalms in the entire Bible, offering both a heartfelt plea for God’s presence and a confident declaration of His goodness. Traditionally attributed to King David, this psalm reflects the cry of someone who is surrounded by enemies or adversity but who finds peace in the presence of God. It is both a prayer and a meditation on God’s faithfulness, making it a comforting passage for those who feel anxious or afraid.

This psalm, like many others, would have been used in Israel’s liturgical worship, giving voice to both personal and communal expressions of trust in God. It is a reminder that even when God seems distant, our hearts are made to seek Him, and He will never abandon those who call on Him.

Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁷ Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,
    be gracious to me and answer me!
⁸ “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, do I seek.
⁹     Do not hide your face from me.
Do not turn your servant away in anger,
    you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,
    O God of my salvation!

¹³ I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;
    be strong, and let your heart take courage;
    wait for the Lord!

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 7: “Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!”
The psalmist begins by crying out to God, asking Him to hear and respond. This is not a distant or passive prayer, but one that reflects urgency and intimacy. The phrase “be gracious to me” indicates the psalmist’s understanding that everything depends on God’s mercy. In the spiritual life, we are reminded that God hears the cries of His children, just as He heard the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 2:24). Prayer is an act of faith that God is listening.

Verse 8: “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
The psalmist reveals an inner dialogue—his heart urges him to seek God’s face, and he responds by actively pursuing God. The idea of seeking God’s face is rich in biblical tradition and signifies a deep desire for a personal encounter with God. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This verse speaks to the universal human longing for intimacy with our Creator.

Verse 9: “Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help.”
Here, the psalmist acknowledges his dependence on God’s favor and presence. The fear of God hiding His face reflects the feeling of spiritual abandonment that many of us experience during times of trial. Yet, the psalmist reminds himself—and us—that God has always been his help in the past, and He will not forsake us now. The Catechism reminds us that God’s love is faithful and enduring, even when we cannot feel His presence (CCC 2731).

Verse 13: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
This is a beautiful expression of faith. The psalmist is confident that he will experience God’s goodness not only in the afterlife but in the present. The “land of the living” refers to life on earth, indicating that we don’t have to wait until heaven to see God’s goodness—He is active in our lives now. The psalmist’s faith is a reminder to trust that God is working for our good, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Verse 14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
The psalmist concludes by urging himself—and us—to wait on the Lord. Patience is a virtue that is deeply connected to faith. Often, God’s timing is not our own, and we are called to trust Him even when the answers are delayed. St. Teresa of Avila famously said, “Patience obtains all things.” This verse encourages us to be strong and courageous, not in our own strength, but by trusting that God will act in His perfect timing.

Teachings and References

The Catechism speaks of prayer as a “battle of faith” (CCC 2725). This psalm exemplifies that battle—crying out to God in moments of distress but also choosing to trust in His goodness. The desire to “seek God’s face” is a reminder that our spiritual journey is a constant pursuit of God, who is always drawing us closer to Him.

St. Augustine, in his Confessions, famously said, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” This echoes the psalmist’s longing to seek God’s face. Our deepest desire, even if we are not always conscious of it, is for God.

Reflection: Trusting God’s Timing

This psalm invites us to trust in God’s goodness and to be patient in the waiting. Like the psalmist, we may cry out for God’s help, but we are also called to believe that He is working even when we can’t immediately see the results. In our fast-paced world, waiting is often difficult. Where is God calling you to “wait for the Lord” in your life? How can you cultivate strength and courage during these times of waiting? Reflect on moments in your life when God answered prayers, even if it was in ways or times you didn’t expect.

Holy Gospel – Luke 10:1-12

Sent to Proclaim the Kingdom

In Luke 10, Jesus sends seventy of His disciples on a mission to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God. The number seventy is significant in Jewish tradition, often symbolizing completeness or universality (for example, the seventy elders appointed by Moses in Numbers 11). This mission prefigures the Church’s later mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. Jesus’ instructions to the seventy offer insights into evangelization, reliance on God, and the urgency of spreading the Good News.

Historically, this passage reflects the itinerant nature of early Christian ministry. The disciples were sent out with few possessions, relying on the hospitality of others. Their mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, much like John the Baptist’s role. Today, this passage continues to speak to the missionary nature of the Church, calling all of us to participate in the work of evangelization.

Luke 10:1-12
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

The Mission of the Seventy
10 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. ² He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. ³ Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. ⁴ Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. ⁵ Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ ⁶ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. ⁷ Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. ⁸ Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; ⁹ cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ ¹⁰ But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ¹¹ ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ ¹² I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1: “After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go.”
Jesus appoints seventy disciples to go ahead of Him, preparing the way for His arrival. The fact that He sends them in pairs emphasizes the communal nature of the Christian mission. Evangelization is not something we do alone—we are sent as part of a community. This reflects the Church’s understanding of mission as a communal effort. We are all part of the Body of Christ, called to work together to spread the Gospel.

Verse 2: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Jesus uses the metaphor of a harvest to describe the urgent need for evangelization. The “harvest” represents the many souls ready to hear the Good News, but the “laborers” are few. This verse is often used in connection with prayers for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and lay ministry. The Catechism teaches that all Christians are called to be part of this harvest, participating in the missionary work of the Church (CCC 863). Jesus invites us to pray for more laborers—do we make it a priority to pray for more workers in the vineyard?

Verse 3: “Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.”
Jesus warns that the mission will not be easy. The imagery of lambs and wolves highlights the vulnerability of the disciples as they go into a world that may be hostile to their message. Yet, Jesus calls them to trust in Him, the Good Shepherd. This verse reminds us that being a Christian often requires courage, especially when faced with opposition or indifference.

Verse 4: “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road.”
Jesus instructs the seventy to travel light, relying entirely on God’s provision. They are to carry no money, no extra supplies, and no unnecessary distractions. This radical dependence on God’s providence challenges us today—do we trust God to provide for us, or do we rely more on material security? The instruction to greet no one on the road emphasizes the urgency of the mission—they are not to be sidetracked from their task.

Verse 5-6: “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you.”
The first words the disciples are to speak are words of peace. In biblical language, peace (shalom) is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of well-being and harmony. By offering peace, the disciples are extending God’s blessing to those who receive them. This echoes Jesus’ Beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). However, if the peace is not accepted, the disciples are not to be discouraged—the peace remains with them.

Verse 7-9: “Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
Jesus instructs the disciples to stay in one place, accepting the hospitality given to them. This reflects a humble attitude, recognizing that the mission is not about personal comfort or gain. By healing the sick and proclaiming the Kingdom, the disciples demonstrate the power of the Gospel in both word and deed. This passage reminds us that evangelization is not just about speaking the truth but living it out in acts of mercy.

Verse 10-12: “But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.”
Jesus acknowledges that not everyone will accept the Gospel. The instruction to shake off the dust from their feet symbolizes a separation from those who reject the message. This act is not done out of anger but as a testimony to the seriousness of rejecting God’s Kingdom. The reference to Sodom, a city destroyed for its wickedness, serves as a stark warning about the consequences of rejecting God’s call to repentance.

Teachings and References

The Church teaches that every baptized Christian shares in the missionary mandate of the Church. According to the Catechism, “The Church, on earth, is by its very nature missionary” (CCC 767). We are all called to participate in the work of evangelization, whether through direct missionary activity or by witnessing to the Gospel in our daily lives.

Pope St. John Paul II, in his encyclical Redemptoris Missio, emphasized that missionary work is the duty of all Christians, not just priests or religious. He wrote, “The call to mission derives, of its nature, from the call to holiness.” To be a disciple is to be sent.

Reflection: Our Call to Evangelize

This Gospel passage challenges us to take up our role as laborers in God’s harvest. While not everyone is called to be a missionary in the traditional sense, we are all called to share the Gospel with those around us. Jesus sends us into a world that may not always welcome the message of the Kingdom, but we are called to proclaim it with both words and actions. How are you living out your mission as a disciple of Christ? Who in your life is God asking you to share His peace with? Reflect on the ways in which you can be a more effective witness to the Gospel in your family, workplace, or community.

A Call to Trust and Proclaim God’s Kingdom

Today’s readings remind us of the importance of trusting God in every situation. Whether we are like Job, enduring suffering, like the psalmist, waiting for God’s timing, or like the seventy disciples, called to proclaim the Kingdom, our faith must be active and lived out. We are called to have faith in God’s justice and mercy and to proclaim His Kingdom wherever we go, trusting in His provision. As you reflect on these passages, ask yourself: Where is God calling me to trust Him more? How can I be a laborer in His harvest?

Engage with Us!

We invite you to share your reflections and insights in the comments below. What stood out to you in today’s readings? How are you responding to God’s call in your life?

Reflection Questions:

• Job 19:21-27: How does Job’s declaration of hope in his Redeemer challenge or encourage your faith?
• Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14: How can you practice patience and trust while waiting on God’s timing?
• Luke 10:1-12: In what ways can you participate in proclaiming the Kingdom of God in your community?

Let’s continue the conversation!

---

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and reflections on living a faith-filled life.