WEEKEND LITURGY

JOB 7:1-4, 6-7     PSALM 147     1 COR 9:16-19, 22-23     MARK 1:29-39

I had to laugh when I read the reading selected from the prophet Job (long o).  You've heard of him - the guy with all the patience.   This reading about Job sounds like something most of my friends could have uttered.  He is bemoaning his old age and how cruel this fleeting life seems to be.

The Book of Job is in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible and is included in the Hebrew Bible as well.  The Islamic faith considers Job a prophet.  Pretty much everyone agrees he knows what he's talking about.

The background on Job is this:  he was a wealthy, healthy prosperous family man who God allowed Satan to befell with hard times.  He lost everyone and everything that was dear to him.  Despite this, he refused to curse God.  He accepted everything that had happened to him as God's will.  In the end, God was pleased with Job and restored his health, wealth and blessed him more children.  He was better off than before.

This is an obvious lesson for us.  Do not give up hope.  Do not lose faith.  Stay with God and, in the end,  He will reward you.
🕆