1ST READING
The
Book of Job is the attempt of a very wise person to address the
question of suffering. Why do the just suffer? It is a question that has
no satisfying answer from the point of emotion and it is not much
better from a logical point of view either. There is always an element
of mystery to this topic and part of that mystery is the ability of God
to draw good out of suffering. It is the Cross of Jesus that redeems us
all, and we ought to learn from it. God’s greatest blessings for us can
come from our trials and suffering.
Job 1:6-22
6 One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan also came among them. 7 And
the Lord said to Satan, “Whence do you come?” Then Satan answered the
Lord and said, “From roaming the earth and patrolling it.” 8 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?” 9 But Satan answered the Lord and said, “Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing? 10 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. 11 But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has, and surely he will blaspheme you to your face.” 12 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. 13 And so one day, while his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were ploughing and the asses grazing beside them, 15 and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid. They put the herdsmen to the sword, and I
alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 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.” 17 While
he was yet speaking, another 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.” 18 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, 19 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.” 20 Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair. He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, 21 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!” 22 In all this Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.
P S A L M
Psalm 17:1, 2-3, 6-7
R: Incline your ear to me and hear my word.
1 Hear, O Lord, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. (R) 2 From you let my judgment come; your eyes behold what is right. 3 Though you test my heart, searching it in the night, though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me. (R) 6
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. 7 Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand. (R)
GOSPEL
Jesus
knows that the truth of a person’s character is not necessarily visible
when you look at the person. It has to do with the heart and the way in
which the person has interiorized the values of the Gospel and true
human dignity. This will ultimately be expressed in the deeds of the
person, and thus, externalized. Let us all pray that we will be
converted within such that our lives will truly give testimony to the
love of God that we have received in our hearts.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Luke 9:46-50
46 An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. 47 Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side 48 and
said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and
whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is
least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” 49 Then
John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your
name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our
company.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
READING 2nd READING
BLESSING
LIST
think: Part of the mystery of suffering is the ability of God to draw good out of it.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ___________________________
____________________________________________
God’s special verse/thought for me today_________
____________________________________________
READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Proverbs 28-31
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