Saturday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
I have the privilege of caring for my grandchildren on a regular basis. They know that whether they come to me with a drawing or run to me with a skinned knee, I will offer them love and support. We are called to turn and trust in God with the same childlike trust. As children of God, God provides us the grace to become a source of healing and goodness for the world.
The first reading is the conclusion of the story of Job. Job endured much suffering, and yet Job remained faithful in his trust in God. The losses and sadness did not become a source of bitterness, but they allowed Job to humbly understand God’s role as Lord of all. Through this realization and trust in God, Job is able to move forward beyond the pain and begin anew. His trust in God allowed Job the opportunity to bring goodness and healing to his life.
In the gospel reading, Jesus rejoices in the disciples’ child like trust. Jesus informs the disciples that the Father is revealed through the Son. When the disciples “see what they see” and “hear what they hear” and believe, it is because they have trust in the Father’s revelation through Jesus. Although Jesus tells them that He has given them “power” to do many things, He reminds them that their eternal communion with God should be their greatest source of joy.
I suspect that there are many people who feel like we are living in a time like Job. Some may even believe that the pandemic, natural disasters and the political and racial unrest are orchestrated by God to bring about our conversion and repentance. I do not believe that God is the source of these many trials; however, I do believe that these issues can provide a source of reflection and renewal for our faith. Like Job, we can recognize that we must humbly trust in God’s love and support even in the face of suffering. As a child of God, I believe that we are called to go a step further. God calls us to turn to Him, trust in Him, and then go forth to bring healing through our words and deeds. Whether is it wearing a mask in the midst of the pandemic, choosing to be civil and respectful in our discourses with rivals, or choosing to do things that care for our environment- all of these can bring God’s healing to our nation and the world. This requires prayer and reflection. As the responsorial psalm states, “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may know your decrees. “
Being a trusting child requires an awareness of the world as well as openness to seeing God’s presence in the world. There are many dangers and snares that exist within our current society, but as Isaiah prophesied long ago, “I child will lead them.” (IS 11:6) May we be children of a loving God that bring healing and hope to our world.
Loving Father, Jesus reveals how to be your son and daughter. May Your Spirit allow us to grow in Your grace, and may we in turn bring your love and goodness to all people. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen
- Marylynn Herchline