Memorial of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church
Today the first reading is taken from the final lines of the book of Job. Now, I have quite the personal connection with Job - that is, our names are very close in spelling. But on a deeper note, we all have a connection to our main character in a way.
You may or may not be familiar with the entire story of Job and his lamentations. If not, I recommend stopping now, read it, and come back to my reflection after. … Back already? Oh, you don't have time to read it? That’s okay, I didn’t reread while typing out my reflection. So let’s say that we did!
All jokes aside, when I read these last lines presented to us I am led to reflect upon where my life has lead me thus far. I may not be at year 140 or even 70. But the life I have lived has been one of high highs and low lows. Plenty a time I have unabashedly asked God "why!" at the top of my lungs. I, too, have "dealt with great things that I do not understand." Even a handful of wonders that bear no explanation. Not too bad I guess for a soon to be 30 year old! This is why Job's story resonates with me and I'm sure you as well. We’ve all been through some stuff.
Yet, what I am most amazed by and what stopped me most in my tracks from this reading is this line: "I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you."
It truly is one thing to hear about somebody and another to meet that person and be transformed by their presence. As Job went through his trails and tribulations (ones that God was doing to prove a point to Satan — yeah, worth going back to read), God in Job’s mind must have felt like someone he had only heard of but the reality was that God was there all along. It seems like we should be able to easily see God and feel God when we are in great need and sorrow, but in reality can be the hardest time to do so.
Maybe you have been in this situation: You just had some terrible news brought to you maybe personal or maybe on a communal or global level. Then, you go to church seeking a message that will bring your spirits right back to the mountain top, only to fall flat. And it’s not that the readings weren’t filled with God’s love and hope, or that the homily wasn’t moving and inspirational, or that the Eucharist wasn’t the true body and blood of our Savior. Sometimes the emotional weight of the day cannot be unburdened so easily by faith alone.
With all this talk of sympathizing with Job, there is a key point of difference. We, here at the family of parishes level, have the opportunity to live in community with one another in a unique way. To be there to not just remind each other of who God is, but BE the hands and feet of God. The lesson I take away from Job's final realization is that we don't have to wait our whole lives to do the same. We can make God a reality for those in the valley of darkness.
Today is also a celebration of the life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. After you reread Job, please read about the life this courageous and humble woman of God. There’s one quote I want to share that I think can be inserted in this reflection of Job’s outlook - “Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” The Little Flower, as she is referred to, understood that the greatness of God’s presence is not just reflected in the mighty and strong, but in the smallness and gentleness that comes from loving all things (this was her “little way” that she has inspired so many with). If we focus on incorporating love in our interactions with each other, our family or parishes can continue being a greater presence of God in our lives.
So I share with you all, will we strive to be that realization for someone else? Will we be open to the witness of God in others when we are as tired and forsaken as Job? It’s good to read about God and follow the commands passed down to us, but we can be the reason someone is able to look past their sorrow and say with full faith “I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you.”
—Joe Oliveri
For even more depth about Saint Thérèse of Lisieux revisit our series "The Little Way of the Little Flower" from 2021.