The first reading today’s Mass, from the Book of Job (1:6-22), tells us about Job’s patience despite many challenges. His cattle and herdsmen, sheep and their shepherds, camels and those tending them, his sons and daughters all met with tragedy at Satan’s instigation. Even these terrible losses did not turn Job against his Creator. What a list of hardships! What trusting faith in God, who eventually restored Job to prosperity!
We all face challenges. Do we ever hear ourselves complain about ailments, allergies, work problems, failures, losses and deficiencies in our lives? It is not always easy to consider “the bigger picture.” We might concentrate only on the present moment, or our imaginations might take us way beyond our actual problem. At other times, we may become overwhelmed if the challenge is extremely costly in one way or another.
So, how can we face our challenges as we try to remember that God, our loving Creator, is always with us? With our limited understanding, and even without the “patience of Job,” we can buttress ourselves with humble prayer. Sometimes we have to reconsider the basic facts of the situation. We can ask family and friends to pray with and for us. Internet sites can direct us to biblical passages that can help and inspire us. Our imaginations can work in our favor as we pray for comfort and solutions and trust in God.
The gospels tell us that Jesus was challenged many times, culminating in his crucifixion. If we pray to him, he will give us strength and comfort. The psalm sung at today’s Mass can reassure us:
Hear, O Lord, a just suit;
attend to my outcry;
hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.
From you let my judgment come;
your eyes behold what is right.
Though you test my heart, searching it in the night,
though you try me with fire, you shall find
no malice in me.
I call upon you, for you will answer me,
O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my word.
(Psalm 17:1-3a, 6)
We can also compose our own prayer, such as this:
Merciful Lord, you know my strengths and weaknesses,
You know all the “what ifs.” You know the realities.
I thank you for your understanding and unfailing support.
I trust in your love for me and for ____________________
Send your Holy Spirit to inspire and comfort me. Amen.
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Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash.
The psalm verses are taken from the New American Bible, Oxford University Press, New York, 1990.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.