Word to the Wise
Thursday, October 5, 2006 - 26th Thursday in Ordinary Time
[Job 19:21-27 and Luke 10:1-12]But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust; Whom I myself shall see: my own eyes, not another's, shall behold him, and from my flesh I shall see God' my inmost being is consumed with longing.
After debating with his friends who think Job has to be in the wrong because he would not otherwise be suffering, Job finally makes the famous affirmation of his innocence that transcends his own suffering. He expresses the confidence that he will be vindicated. He knows that he has done no wrong, but neither does he know why he is suffering. He simply reaffirms his faith in God and in ultimate vindication by God. Where others are looking for someone to blame, he simply stands on his own integrity. Where others look only to the physical, Job affirms the transcendent value of his integrity and God's transcendence at the same time. How many of us can do that? Many find the Book of Job to be great poetry but are very unsatisfied with the outcome. Like Job's friends, they are sure that there has to be a moral reason for suffering. It can only be a punishment either inflicted by someone outside or brought on oneself by wrong or foolish conduct. Some preachers tried to use that reasoning on New York post 9/11 and New Orleans post Katrina! In the Book of Job, we do learn that suffering can be a test of character and integrity, no matter where it comes from. And Job's friends turn out to be one of the greatest sufferings he endures. Our response to it can be an expression of faith and a lesson in our own integrity when we know we have done nothing to "deserve" it. Even if Job's fortunes had not been restored to him later on, the mystery would still remain. Job remains Job, suffering remains suffering, God remains God, and we are left to forever meditate on it. AMEN
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