Word to the Wise
Monday, October 1, 2012 - Monday in the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
[Job 1:6-22 and Luke 9:46-50]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!
It is interesting that the chuurch begins to meditate on the Book of Job this year on the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, "the Little Flower." The quotation from Job that I have highlighted states a profound truth and trust that St. Therese certainly personified in her life and her suffering. Her "little way" remains a powerful source of inspiration for millions of people today.
Job's declaration comes after learning of a series of disasters that take away all the material wealth that he had as well as his children. There is more to come because Satan will touch him with physical suffering when material loss and the loss of loved ones fails to shake his faith. For the moment we can pause at the words, "Naked I came forth, etc.." No matter where our birth takes place - whether in a hut or a hospital - we are born helpless and dependent. This is an ultimate poverty. If we realize this poverty as a matter of faith, we come closest to God. The same is true at death. There is an old saying, "There are no pockets in a shroud!" We return naked and helpless no matter how we die or no matter how we are dressed for the funeral. It is the belief that we can get around our fundamental stance before God that has lead to terrible consequences. Acceptance of this state is what can lead us to the greaetest love a human can experience. Job, like we, will question all of this, but his ultimate acceptance will triumph. More to come! AMEN
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