Reading 1 Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17
Job answered the LORD and said: I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered. I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know. I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you. Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes. Thus the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his earlier ones. For he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses. And he had seven sons and three daughters, of whom he called the first Jemimiah, the second Keziah, and the third Kerenhappuch. In all the land no other women were as beautiful as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; and he saw his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren. Then Job died, old and full of years.
Reflection:
I am most taken with the generosity of God to the humble of heart. Notice how Job releases all that he has and all that he is to God. He understands that God has control of life and his purpose in this world is but to serve the Lord. Job recognizes the authority and power of the Almighty, even when disasters take everything from him. He turns his heart to “repent in dust and ashes”.
How many times do we complain when something does not go the way we expect? This can be a way of trying to take control of what God actually has control over. God has a plan for our lives and sometimes we are tested beyond what we think we can handle. God can only give good. So, give God everything in your life. Accept the prosperous or the lean times and the happy or sorrowful times with an understanding that God has allowed this to happen for the betterment of your soul.
We don’t know what the future holds for us. The only thing we know for sure about the future is God will be there, whether we recognize Him or not.
