Sr. Dr. Bincy Thumpanathu CMC
READING : Then Satan left the Lord and went on his way. He sent painful sores on Job. They covered him from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head. He got part of a broken pot. He used it to scrape his skin. He did it while he was sitting in ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still continuing to be faithful to the Lord? Curse God and die!” Job replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In spite of everything, Job did not say anything that was sinful (Job 2:7-10).
REFLECTION : The Book of Job considered to be an all-time literary masterpieces, deals with the thorny question of human suffering especially the suffering of the just. All down the centuries the question as to why there is suffering in a world created and guided by a good God has exercised the minds of people and still does today. Also why it is that the innocent suffer, whereas the wicked prosper, remains a major subject of discussion. The ancient Israelites believed that if one experiences suffering then he/she must have sinned. However, as Christians we know that this is not an authentic answer to the question of suffering. At this point the character Job in the Scripture challenges humanity to rethink and search for new meanings for suffering and how to approach them with faith. In this regard, Job is a great teacher and exemplar.
The Scripture portrays Job as one who is upright, wealthy and great: “He was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. He also had many servants. He was, in fact, the richest person in that entire area” (Job 1:1-4). In Job 1:14-19, many misfortunes to befall Job, when God allowed Satan to test him, are outlined and include: the Sabeans took his oxen; the servants were put to the sword; the fire of God burned the sheep; the Chaldeans raided the camels and took them; a strong wind struck the four corners of the house causing it to collapse, killing his young sons and daughters; and finally Job is stricken with painful and hideous sores. These large virulent sores which were similar to boils (in Hebrew shechin) covered him from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head, with his skin torn away, almost down to the bone, leaving him at the point of death. At this time of great miseries, Job’s wife stood unsupportive. One misery after another afflicted Job. Nevertheless, his faith and hope in God remained steadfast and was such that he firmly asked, “shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10). Job believed that those who receive blessings from God should be ready to accept (in Hebrew qabal) pain too. This belief does not stem from human reasoning, but out of faith in God.
Let’s have an examination of the current situation in the world. People can easily get dejected, become disappointed and depressed; and some see suicide as the only solution to their problems. In times of trials and tribulations it is true that one can perceive sad things in life in two ways. Firstly, looking at suffering merely from one’s own point of view and easily becoming disappointed. Secondly, viewing things with faith, from the divine angle and being strengthened and reassured that nothing happens without the knowledge of God. Job falls into the second category, whereas his wife and friends viewing suffering solely from their perspective and ignoring God, discouraged Job and asked him to renounce God. However, even though he is at very low ebb, Job replied: “naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). This retort is indicative of both his wisdom and integrity. The air of certainty surrounding Job’s words spoken at his worst moment gives us all the sense of Christian hope. “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5). Job though faced with such great trials, was able to prostrate himself on the ground and praise the holy name of God. In our daily lives too we must learn to accept with faith all our afflictions as St. Paul says, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7).
PRAYER: Lord, in times of deep distress and suffering, I know you will never forsake me. Enable me to see your great plan in all my disappointments, pain and sufferings. Help me to understand that in difficult times I can become stronger and grow closer to you.
CONTEMPLATION: Sit in a quiet area. Calm your soul. Ponder all the sufferings that you have endured and see how the Lord has comforted and guided you. Repeat in low voice and with all your heart, Lord, you are my God and nothing happens without your knowledge.
ACTION:
• I will not utter any words of disappointment in respect of my troubles and failures.
• I will utter words of encouragement and consolation to comfort others who are afflicted.
