MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SEPTEMBER 26, 2022

MASS READINGS

A Reading from the Book of Job JB 1:6-22

One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the LORD, Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “Whence do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming the earth and patrolling it.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job, and that there is no one on earth like him, blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?” But Satan answered the LORD and said, “Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing? Have you not surrounded him and his family and all that he has with your protection? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock are spread over the land. But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has, and surely he will blaspheme you to your face.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand upon his person.” So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. And so one day, while his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were ploughing and the asses grazing beside them, and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid. They put the herdsmen to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Lightning has fallen from heaven and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three columns, seized the camels, carried them off, and put those tending them to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, when suddenly a great wind came across the desert and smote the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair. He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, and said, “Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!” In all this Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

REFLECTION

"In all this Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God."

Everyone wants peace; but not all will do what is necessary to get it. The world is too noisy, we are obsessed with possessing and accumulating. We want that which the other has. So many times we forget that we are to listen to and follow Jesus. Then, Peace will find us.

A humble and gentle heart finds its peace by being patient. Though we may lose something or someone, be it through health issues, accidents, criminal activity or aging health problems, we find our peace and patience while persevering in desiring and seeking nothing else but Jesus.

We can identify with Job in many ways. Yes, we will grieve. Yes, we will lose someone we love. Yes, our good favor will be gone; we might not find our consolation. Yes, we will age, may have bodily and mental pain and maybe lose all we own.

But do we continue to identify with Job when we lose all that God has given us? Job didn't even own the dunghill he was sitting on, nor did he find kindness from his wife nor the empathy of his "friends". But he had God with him; he was at peace. And that is all he needed.

Job did not just become this way. He had a lifetime of devotion and love for the Divine Grace living in him. During his trials and temptations, He never spoke against God, never disrespected Him nor he never sinned against God. His soul never separated from God.

Everything in this life is a gift from God. Keep the Creator close to our hearts. When we wake up may He be the first thought in our minds. When we pray, may we pray with devotion, adoring and worshiping Him for who He is. May we love God above all. May we find peace.

God did not come to do away with suffering;

he did not even come to explain it.

He came to fill it with His presence.

(Paul Claudel)

PONDER

Do I trust the Lord with my life, my circumstances, my future or do I rely on man or myself for help?

PRAY

When we are mistreated, entreat the Lord to be with you. Remember He too was hated and betrayed, yet without sin. Pray for remorse for offending Him.

God Bless You