Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Job 1:6-22, Psalm 25 and Luke 9:46-50
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives 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, it also gives the impression that Satan is part of God’s cabinet. How can God give permission to Satan to torment Job? Can we say God is indirectly responsible for the evil in the world by giving permission to Satan?
Our Gospel passage today answers these questions. The disciples of Jesus are arguing 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; an attitude that believes without questioning.
Job did not have the privilege of attending 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 simply being tested. Yet, he passed the test. We are told: “In all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” Job’s success came from his childlike attitude; 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 so limited, and we do not know if we are being tested. So, if we begin to question everything, we could end up failing the test.
We just 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…”
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, in moments of trials and difficulty, help me to remain firm in faith like Job. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.