Monday, 30 September 2024. Readings: Job 1:6-22, Ps. 17:1-3,6-7, Luke 9:46-50
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” (Luke 9:48)
The story of Job raises a lot of questions. Not only does it challenge our traditional understanding of God as incapable of evil, but it also gives the impression that Satan is part of God’s cabinet. How can God permit Satan to torment Job? Can we say God is indirectly responsible for the evil in the world by permitting Satan?
- Our Gospel passage today answers these questions. The disciples of Jesus argue about who is the greatest, and Jesus shocks them by bringing a child before them. The best way to approach God is with a childlike attitude that believes without doubting.
- Job was not privileged to attend the meeting where his matter was discussed. Little did he know that his unfortunate circumstance was not coincidental. Job had no idea that he was being tested. Yet, he passed the test. We are told: “In all these, Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.”
- Job’s success came from his childlike attitude and his willingness to accept things as they are. Seen from our human perspective, the world is not perfect. Like Job, we are not privileged to see the big picture; our knowledge is limited, and we do not know if we are being tested. So, if we begin to question everything, we could fail the test.
- We need to learn the childlike attitude of Job to accept things as they are: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I shall return…” One distinguishing characteristic of children is purity of heart. Ensure that regardless of your trials, your heart remains pure. Let not your troubles lead you to bitterness, cursing or hatred of anyone.
Another aspect of receiving God’s kingdom like a child is knowing that God is the Father of many children. Do not assume that you are the only child God has. There are many you do not know about, and they, too, have God as their Father. For instance, the disciples were shocked to realise someone was casting out demons in Jesus’ name even though he was not among the twelve disciples. As Jesus said to the disciples, “He that is not against you is for you.”
- The fact that a man could cast out demons with the name of Jesus even though he wasn’t part of the twelve is a pointer to the power in the name of Jesus. St. Paul was absolutely correct when he said: “At the name of Jesus every knee bows, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11).
- Today, we remember St Jerome (340 - 420). He was born in Strido, in Dalmatia. He studied in Rome and was baptised there. He was attracted by the ascetic life and travelled to the East, where he was (unwillingly) ordained a priest. He was recalled to Rome to act as secretary to Pope Damasus, but on the Pope’s death, he returned to the East, to Bethlehem, where (with the aid of St Paula and others) he founded a monastery, a hospice, and a school, and settled down to the most important work of his life, the translation of the Bible into Latin, a translation which, with some revisions, is still in use today.
- He wrote many works, including letters and commentaries on Holy Scripture. When troubles came upon the world through barbarian invasions and to the Church through internal dissension, he helped the refugees and those in need. He died at Bethlehem.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, in moments of trials and difficulty, help me to remain firm in faith like Job. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Jerome, Priest, Doctor. Bible Study: Job 1:6-22, Ps. 17:1-3,6-7, Luke 9:46-50).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu