(Optional Memorial for Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs)
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| “The Patient Job” by Gerard Seghers, 1630’s |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Job 1:6-22
Commentary on Jb 1:6-22
This beginning section of the Book of Job describes Satan’s dialogue with God. He attempts to turn Job from being faithful to God by attempting to dupe Job into believing that God’s favor had been withdrawn from him, and punishment was being laid upon him. In successive waves, messengers arrive to bring terrible news, as one at a time, all of the material blessings given to God’s faithful servant are stripped away. The series of disasters concludes with the death of his children, his posterity. With this final blow, Job tears his clothes, a symbol of mourning, and cuts off his hair as a sign of repentance
The first scene ends with Job victorious as God's faithful servant: Satan thought he would curse the Lord (v. 11), but in fact he openly praises him (v. 21). The sacred writer comes out on Job's side when he states that Job committed no sin nor even raised his voice against God. Satan has been proved wrong.[4]
CCC: Jb 1:6 441
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7
R. (6) Incline your ear to me and hear my word.
Commentary on Ps 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7
Psalm 17 is an individual lament. The psalmist sings for God’s help in distress. Having been firm in faithfulness, the singer calls upon the Lord for justice. Faith in God’s salvation will follow those who keep firmly to God’s commands.
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Gospel: Luke 9:46-50
Commentary on Lk 9:46-50
St. Luke depicts a teaching moment for Jesus as he tells his disciples that they must not fall into the all-too-human trap of rivalry for leadership. Rather, he tells them that humble leadership will be the norm. In the second instance, the Lord insists that his disciples accept support from those whom they do not know (see also comments on Mark 9:38-50).
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Reflection:
Kneeling before the tabernacle, I can think of only one thing to say to our Lord: "My God, you know that I love you." And I feel that my prayer does not weary Jesus; knowing my weakness, He is satisfied with my good will. -Saint Therese of Lisieux
When we read the Gospel of St. Luke and hear the words we heard today: “For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest,” there are some contemporary examples we could point to for meaning. None, however, are more eloquent than the attitude expressed by St. Thérèse, the Little Flower of Jesus, who was just quoted.
The simple faith captured in that one piercing prayer: “My God, you know that I love you,” says volumes, and when it comes from the heart, it drives our actions to imitate those of Christ. His whole mission was to give exactly that message from God to us: “My children, you know that I love you.”
The Lord was telling his disciples that, when their intent was unselfish, and their actions were directed at loving God, then their leadership would be genuine, and the outcome would be pleasing to the Father, whose love is expressed perfectly in Jesus. It is such a simple concept that, like them, we often “overthink” it. We get caught up in the complexity of human interaction, trying to detect motives and appeal to agendas. Our expression of that prayer: “My God, you know that I love you,” in our every action will accomplish what God intends.
Pax
[1] The picture is “The Patient Job” by Gerard Seghers, 1630’s
[4] The Navarre Bible: “Wisdom Books”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, pp 31
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