In reviewing today’s readings, I felt a keen awareness of life’s trials. The First Reading comes from the Book of Job. Is there nothing sadder than the first two chapters of the Book of Job as all that he possesses is taken from him?
The Responsorial Psalm, in my opinion, is one of the darkest psalms in the last line of the full psalm, “Because of you friend and neighbor shun me, my only friend is darkness.”
Luke’s Gospel lets us know that to follow Our Lord requires sacrifice, perhaps loneliness, even separation from family members. “Jesus answered him, ‘No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.’” (Lk 9:62)
Dark Times
As I write this, we learned of our neighbor’s sudden death today in the early morning hours. A father of two adult sons, he was found by one of his sons. His wife was three hours away and had to get that horrific news over the phone.
I know I have no need to point out the bleakness found in the world today. It explodes before our eyes when watching the news or checking social media on our phones.
As a devout Catholic, then, how do I know that God has us, our neighbors, our world in His hands?
Trust in the Lord
Let us return to the first reading which comes from the later chapters of Job where Job explains to his friends why trust in God is needed at all times but especially in tribulation; “God is wise in heart and mighty in strength; who has withstood him and remained unscathed?…He does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning.” (Jb 9:10)
While the Responsorial Psalm reverberates with the anguish of the psalmist, it also shows that in those depths of despair, we know we are not alone. “But I cry out to you, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you.” (Ps 88:14)
Jesus, in the words of the gospel, wants us to know that our road as Catholics require surrendering all to Him. But in that surrender of our mind and our heart, lies the greatest treasure of all; we will be united with Him. Further on in Luke’s Gospel, we see that very promise fulfilled as the apostles are sent forth and perform miracles of healing like Jesus.
So, at the times of life’s tribulation know that we are not alone. Trust in God who always walks besides us if we just turn to Him.
