Meditation
for Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
(Job
1:6-22; Lk 9:46-50)
This week we shall be reading from the Book of Job. The man
Job is popularly known for his suffering. Today’s reading reveals the background
of the story behind Job’s suffering. As we meditate on the beginnings of his
ordeal, we come understand deeper how Satan operates.
When God asked him where he went, Satan answered, “From going
back and forth on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” He wanders
everywhere, prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour
(1 Pet 5:8). He is restless, unstable and inconsistent. You cannot fully master
his tricks. He tries to lure us to be restless and unstable too. That is why we
must be watchful of impulsive behavior or that irresistible pump to act, especially
when it involves actions that are inconsistent with our commitments or purposes
in life.
God praised Job for his uprightness and faithfulness; a man
who turns from evil and would not fall for the tricks of Satan. Imagine how
hurtful this would be to the proud evil spirit! He felt humiliated, and
answered God immediately, saying, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a
hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have
blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
But put forth your and now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to
your face.” You see how Satan convinced himself that all men are under his
control, and that men worship God for their own benefits, and not for God’s own
glory. Think about how this satanic understanding of faith for personal gains has
eaten deep into our society. It is this false approach to faith that is motivating
the current quest for miracles. This kind of practice has made many Christians restless
and unhappy.
Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday September 26, 2022.
