Loss and faithfulness

0:03

Sorrow's Got A Hold On Me

Paul Zach

Today is Monday the 28th of September, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time.

Paul Zach sings, ‘Sorrow’s Got a Hold On Me’. As we begin to pray today, become aware of the comfort of God with you now.

Sorrow's got a hold on me

The shadow is all I see

Weighed down, no I can't break free

Sorrow's got a hold on me

Waters sweeping over me

Helpless, and I'm in too deep

The flood is overwhelming me

Waters sweeping over me

O Christ come near

Come near to this broken heart of mine

To this broken heart of mine

Thunder coming down on me

Howling, and the wind it screams

This storm will blow away with me

Thunder coming down on me

O Christ come near

Come near to this broken heart of mine

To this broken heart of mine

In the silence of despairing

In the waking in the night

In the watching and the waiting

Stay here by my side

In the silence of despairing

In the waking in the night

In the watching and the waiting

Stay here by my side

Lord Jesus, come and weep with me

Oh, come and weep with me, oh Lord

Lord Jesus, come and wait with me

Come and wait with me, oh Lord

Come near

4:21

Today we pray with the opening chapter of the Book of Job. It is a story that raises difficult questions about suffering, loss, and faithfulness. We will hear the passage in three parts, with reflection points interwoven. As we prepare to listen, let us ask for the grace to be attentive to God's voice. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your mind and heart, so that God's living word may speak into your own life today as we hear this passage from the Book of Job.

Job 1:6-22

One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the Lord, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.’ Then Satan answered the Lord, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a fence around 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 stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!’ So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

These opening verses introduce the mystery at the heart of Job's story. The author does not offer a simple explanation for suffering. Instead, we are invited to contemplate the fragility of human life and the depth of God's relationship with us. Take a moment to recall the blessings that God has given you. They may be large or small, obvious or easily overlooked. Notice them with gratitude. Ask for the grace to remain rooted in God's love, both in times of blessing and in times of uncertainty.

8:09

One day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the eldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, ‘The oxen were ploughing and the donkeys were feeding beside them, and the Sabeans fell on them and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you.’

The first of Job's losses arrives suddenly and without warning. Events unfold beyond his control, shattering the security he once knew. Perhaps there have been moments in your own life when difficulties seemed to come one after another. Maybe there is a challenge that you are carrying now. Bring that situation gently before God. There is no need to explain it or solve it. Simply allow yourself to be present with God in the midst of it, trusting that God's presence remains, even when life feels uncertain.

10:09

While he was still speaking, another came and said, ‘The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ While he was still speaking, another came and said, ‘The Chaldeans formed three columns, made a raid on the camels and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ While he was still speaking, another came and said, ‘Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came across the desert, struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; I alone have escaped to tell you.’

Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell on the ground and worshipped. He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’

In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.

As the losses continue, Job's grief is real and profound. He does not hide his sorrow or pretend that everything is well. Yet in the midst of his lament, he remains open to God. As this time of prayer draws to a close, notice whatever thoughts, feelings, or desires have arisen within you. Perhaps speak to God as you would to a trusted friend. Share your hopes, your fears, your questions, and your gratitude. And, like Job, entrust yourself once more to the God who accompanies you through every season of life.

13:37

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen