Homily for Thursday 4th October 2018
_“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then from my flesh I shall see God.” *Job 19:25-26*_
Knowing the origin and story behind a particular song gives us a deeper understanding of its meaning and essence. It also gives us some food for thought when singing the song. Our first reading today gives us the origin of the popular song: “I know my Redeemer lives.”
When next, you sing this song, it would be worthwhile to reflect on the following:
One, Job was the original composer of the lyrics of this song.
Two, Job uttered this song during a very low moment of his life; he had lost everything he had and even those who claimed to be his friends were not that friendly anymore. His wife told him to simply “curse God and just die.”
Three, when Job uttered this song, he had no more reason to believe that God was still alive, he had been praying for days and all he could see were the opposite of what he was praying for.
Fourthly, by uttering this song, Job was expressing his faith in the resurrection of the dead not merely in his physical healing.
The story of Job teaches us perseverance and patience especially when our prayers are not answered and things begin to get tougher for us more and more. Could this be your situation now, then join Job to sing that beautiful song: “I know my redeemer lives.” Sing it with every ounce of conviction you can muster.
This perseverance and patience is exactly what Jesus demanded from the seventy others whom He sent out evangelize the towns and villages He himself was to come and visit. This is why Jesus said: “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road.”
Job had nothing, no purse, no bad, no health, nothing even a single possession in his name yet he sang: “I know my redeemer lives.” When we are down to nothing, when we are detached in the manner Jesus talks about, that is when we know how much faith we have.
Today, we celebrate St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis renounced all he had, gave out all his riches to the poor and went to become a monk. His father disowned him but even as a poor monk, he was the happiest man on earth. He was such a good preacher that even animals, would gather to listen to him preach.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, inspire me to serve you diligently like St. Francis of Assisi. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Job 19:21-27, Psalm 27:7-14 and Luke 10:1-12).
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