Daily Retreat 10/04/08
2008 Oct 4 Sat: Francis of Assisi, rf M
Jb 42: 1-3. 5-6. 12-17/ Ps 118(119): 66. 71. 75. 91. 125. 130/ Lk 10: 17-24
From today's readings: "I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know.... Lord, let Your face shine on me.... 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 ...."
Good Job
The Book of Job closes on an upbeat note, with Job being doubly rewarded, having patiently persevered in his trials, and having humbly learned well the lesson of the infinite transcendence of God. Yet that ending can seem a bit unsatisfactory, since, as was mentioned, the book resolutely refuses to offer any neat, pat answers to the profound questions raised.
Certainly, in every life, there is a share of suffering, as well as a messy stockpile of unanswered questions. Job's extreme example proves that the light of faith can and should be introduced in all aspects of life, including the most trying, frustrating, confusing, and disheartening moments.
Most of us would have to admit to exaggerating when we try to equate the severity of our own troubles to Job's extreme trials. That comparison in itself can help us put our tribulations in a better perspective! On the other hand, though, the lessons and examples from the Book of Job are clearly intended to engage us all, to help us think, question, struggle, plumb the depth of our own faith, and then come to the work of simply letting God be God, which is, after all, the most important job of our lives.
Jb 42: 1-3. 5-6. 12-17/ Ps 118(119): 66. 71. 75. 91. 125. 130/ Lk 10: 17-24
From today's readings: "I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know.... Lord, let Your face shine on me.... 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 ...."
Good Job
The Book of Job closes on an upbeat note, with Job being doubly rewarded, having patiently persevered in his trials, and having humbly learned well the lesson of the infinite transcendence of God. Yet that ending can seem a bit unsatisfactory, since, as was mentioned, the book resolutely refuses to offer any neat, pat answers to the profound questions raised.
Certainly, in every life, there is a share of suffering, as well as a messy stockpile of unanswered questions. Job's extreme example proves that the light of faith can and should be introduced in all aspects of life, including the most trying, frustrating, confusing, and disheartening moments.
Most of us would have to admit to exaggerating when we try to equate the severity of our own troubles to Job's extreme trials. That comparison in itself can help us put our tribulations in a better perspective! On the other hand, though, the lessons and examples from the Book of Job are clearly intended to engage us all, to help us think, question, struggle, plumb the depth of our own faith, and then come to the work of simply letting God be God, which is, after all, the most important job of our lives.
posted by FrPitstick | 10/03/2008
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