The Word: "...why is light given to him that is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul, who long for death, but it comes not, and dig for it more than for hid treasures; who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, whom God has hedged in?.” (see Job 3:1-3.11-17.20-23)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration of the day: St Theresa of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church or Our Lady, Queen of Nigeria
(1873-1897). Born in . While very young, she entered the monastery of the Carmelites of Lisieux. She was outstanding for her humility, simplicity, and confidence in God. She offered her life for the salvation of souls and for the Church.
Table of the Word: I R.: Job 3:1-3.11-17.20-23
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 88:2-3.4-5a.5b-6.7-8 (R. 3a)
Verse before the Gospel: Mark 10:45
Gospel: Luke 9:51-56
Inspiration:
Beloved in Christ , good morning and happy new month to you.
One of the fascinating facts about our existence is that most often life does not offer us what we desire, such as comfort when we need it, peace when we are troubled, stillness when chaos and anarchy become the order of the day.
Amidst this we tend to feel what could be described as "the silence of God." Do we actually have this? or is it man's way of expressing his lacuna, especially when the going is not smooth.
It is on account of this that on this day that we will reflect together on the theme: "The silence of God." This is in fact a complex and multifaceted theme, in the sense that it generates pertinent questions like where is God when bad things happen? Does he go for holiday and the rest of the questions.
Today's first reading made a recap of Job's trial and lamentation and his reaction expressing the silence of God when he asked: "...why is light given to him that is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul, who long for death, but it comes not, and dig for it more than for hid treasures; who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, whom God has hedged in?” (see Job 3:1-3.11-17.20-23)
Dearest friends in Christ, there are many reasons surrounding God's silence in our situations especially when the going is tough; some of those reasons are: when our trust in God us tested (cf.Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 50:10). It is also an act of Discipline and refinement (cf. Psalm 38:13; Hebrews 12:5-11) It also call for our humility before God and repentance (cf.Leviticus 26:39; 2 Chronicles 7:14)
However, this will lead to our Spiritual growth and maturity which the psalmist rightly expressed. (cf. Psalm 46:10; Romans 8:28-30). Thus, unveiling God's Sovereignty and mystery as in Job 11:7-9 and Isaiah 55:8-9.
Right from time immemorial, there are moments in the scripture where God seems to be silence but still He was there to bring Succour along the line. For instance:
1. Job's suffering (Job 1-42)
2. Psalmist's cries (Psalm 13, 22, 38)
3. Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
4. Hannah's barrenness (1 Samuel 1:1-18)
5. David's exile (Psalm 38, 55)
Finally, God is too faithful to disappoint us, no matter how empty we may feel. His abiding presence goes beyond human understanding. Let us therefore be patience and persevere in our day-to-day living experience, and as the psalmist says: "Let our prayer come into your presence," for in doing this we shall be all satisfied. Indded, the silence of God does not mean He is absence. Peace be with you!
Let us pray
O God, who give us the joy of honouring Our Lady, Queen of Nigeria, as mother of divine hope and communion; grant that, with the help of her intercession we may always work for peace and reconciliation in this world and come to share the fullness of your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 29092024
