Memorial of Saint Lawrence Ruiz and companions, Philippine Martyrs

Saint Lawrence Ruiz and companions,
Philippine Martyrs

Lectionary: 455

"Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing?
Have you not surrounded him and his family
and all that he has with your protection?
You have blessed the work of his hands,
and his livestock are spread over the land.
But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has,
and surely he will blaspheme you to your face."

Satan's mocking remark about God's pet, Job, is not unreasonable. Who could ignore the bounteous mercies of God if they live prosperously and securely amid poverty, depravity, and violence? Who would not make a serious effort to thank God superabundantly every single day when they know that, without God's protection, all their pleasures would disintegrate instantly?

Actually, a lot of people do ignore their Divine Benefactor. They suppose they or their ancestors have earned their privilege by hard work; and not received it from dumb luck. Or they suppose they deserve it because, well, they wouldn't know how to live like the poorest of the poor. They suppose God has done this for me because I need it. And deserve it."

"And I really do appreciate it, though I might not show my appreciation with actual sacrifices of time, talent, and treasure." 

Or they suppose there is no God; and people in a godless, dog-eat-dog world survive only by good luck and the threat of violence. They invest heavily in security; and given the insatiable nature of anxiety, cannot afford to give generously. 

But Job did try to show his appreciation for God's blessings by daily sacrifices for himself and for his children, as the Bible says,  

His sons used to take turns giving feasts, sending invitations to their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

And when each feast had run its course, Job would send for them and sanctify them, rising early and offering sacrifices for every one of them. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” 

Job did this habitually.

Nevertheless, Satan scored against the Lord when he made his taunt, and God accepted the challenge: 

"Behold, all that he has is in your power;

only do not lay a hand upon his person."

We might ask, having read the next forty chapters, "What did God know that Satan could not imagine?"

Within his heart, despite his grief, confusion, distress, and angry demands, Job remained faithful to God. He would not follow his wife's advice, “Are you still holding to your innocence? Curse God and die!”

Rather, he said, 

Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb,

and naked shall I go back there.

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;

blessed be the name of the LORD!”

We accept good things from God; should we not accept evil?” 

Through all this, Job did not sin in what he said."

 

His reply sounds fatalistic to some; and perhaps, cynical or philosophical stoicism. But his reply is genuine, "Blessed be the name of the Lord!" And his humility is proven by his reply,
    "We accept good things from the Lord; should we not accept evil? 

The Philippine martyrs, along with a host of others, have shown us how we can also practice Job's fidelity. Adversity always comes; the faithful may complain for a moment but they remain grateful for life.