Bible
Study: Job 1, 6 to 22 and Luke 9, 46 to 50.
The story
of Job in the bible is one story that 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? If you take this question too far, you might reach the
conclusion that God is responsible for the evil in the world which again, is
impossible. Quite confusing. Isn’t it?
However,
our Gospel passage gives us a lot of light. 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; an attitude that is very humble and does not
try to prove everything; an attitude that accepts reality even when it’s
questions have not been answered.
Job did
not have the privilege of attending the meeting where his matter was discussed.
Little did he know that his unfortunate circumstances were 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.
The world
is not perfect. There are so many things that are not just right. There is too
much inequality and injustice in the world. Just like Job, we too are not
privileged to see the big picture, our knowledge is so limited, we do not know
if we are being tested. So, if we begin to question everything, we could end up
becoming mere philosophers and even our faith in a good God who is all-knowing,
all-powerful and all-loving might be lost in the process. 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…”
Today we
celebrate the memorial of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Cosmas and Damian were twin
brothers, born in Arabia, who had become eminent for their skill in the science
of medicine. Being Christians, they were filled with the spirit of charity and
never took money for their services. At Egaea in Cilicia, where they lived,
they enjoyed the highest esteem of the people. When the persecution under
Diocletian broke out, their very prominence rendered them marked objects of
persecution. Being apprehended by order of Lysias, governor of Cilicia, they
underwent various torments about the year 283. They are patron saints of
pharmacists.
So when
next you pray for a sick person, remember to invoke Saints Cosmas and Damian.
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. Happy New
Week.
Fr. Abu
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