I read some more of Job while at the Gravesite this morning, and then later in the afternoon. Reading him can be rough ... but I am so deeply, deeply grateful for that rough, unvarnished, confrontive, articulate Man of Suffering. He gives words to feelings and thoughts that my own suffering overwhelms. Thank you, O Lord, for Job.
Job is ruthless regarding Hope in this world. "Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower, and withers; he flees like a shadow, and continues not." (14:1f). This is of course a continuing theme of the Psalmists as well. Job goes on to declare flatly says he has no hope (13:15). With perhaps more than a trace of bitter humor, Job says he sees hope only for a tree (14:7) , for at least it has roots; whereas "man lies down and rises not again; till the heavens are no more he will not awake ..." (14:12) Whatever hope mortal man may develop is only tantalizing him until his hope is utterly destroyed ... by God Himself (14:19).
Lord help me to remember that in this world there truly is no hope; my only Hope is in You and You alone. Amen.
Charles Delacroix
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
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