Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 6 October 2028

1 Then the Lord answered Job out of a whirlwind, and said:

12 Didst thou since thy birth command the morning, and shew the dawning of the day its place?

13 And didst thou hold the extremities of the earth shaking them, and hast thou shaken the ungodly out of it?

14 The seal shall be restored as clay, and shall stand as a garment:

15 From the wicked their light shall be taken away, and the high arm shall be broken.

16 Hast thou entered into the depths of the sea, and walked in the lowest parts of the deep?

17 Have the gates of death been opened to thee, and hast thou seen the darksome doors?

18 Hast thou considered the breadth of the earth? tell me, if thou knowest all things?

19 Where is the way where light dwelleth, and where is the place of darkness:

20 That thou mayst bring every thing to its own bounds, and understand the paths of the house thereof.

21 Didst thou know then that thou shouldst be born? and didst thou know the number of thy days?

40:3 Then Job answered the Lord, and said:

4 What can I answer, who hath spoken inconsiderately? I will lay my hand upon my mouth.

5 One thing I have spoken, which I wish I had not said: and another, to which I will add no more.

R. (24b) Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

1 Lord, thou hast proved me, and known me:

2 Thou hast know my sitting down, and my rising up.

3 Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off: my path and my line thou hast searched out.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy face?

8 If I ascend into heaven, thou art there: if I descend into hell, thou art present.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

9 If I take my wings early in the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea:

10 Even there also shall thy hand lead me: and thy right hand shall hold me.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast protected me from my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise thee, for thou art fearfully magnified: wonderful are thy works.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

8 If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

13 Woe to thee, Corozain, woe to thee, Bethsaida. For if in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the mighty works that have been wrought in you, they would have done penance long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgement, than for you.

15 And thou, Capharnaum, which art exalted unto heaven, thou shalt be thrust down to hell.

16 He that heareth you, heareth me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me.

Job is brought before the vastness of God’s creation: the dawn, the depths of the sea, the gates of death, and the boundaries of the earth. Faced with mysteries beyond his understanding, he lays his hand over his mouth. This is not despair, but a humble recognition that God sees and governs what we cannot comprehend. The psalm deepens that truth: wherever we go, God is there, knowing our thoughts, searching our path, and holding us by his hand.

Yet God’s nearness also brings responsibility. Jesus warns the cities that have witnessed his mighty works but have not repented. Grace received is meant to open the heart. To hear Christ’s voice through those he sends is to encounter the One who sent him, and indifference becomes a serious refusal. We do not need to understand every mystery before responding faithfully. We can begin by listening today, lowering our defenses, and allowing God’s word to correct our path. Humility before God should become repentance before him, and repentance should become a life guided along his everlasting way.

Lord God, you know me completely and remain near wherever I go. Give me Job’s humility before the mysteries I cannot grasp, and keep me from hardening my heart when your voice reaches me. Through Jesus Christ, awaken gratitude for every grace I have received and courage to respond with sincere repentance. Help me recognize your truth in those whom you send, and let your word shape my choices, attitudes, and actions. Hold me by your right hand when I stray, and guide me along the everlasting way until my life gives praise to your wonderful works. Amen.