“The patience of Job.” That well-known phrase reminds us simultaneously of the terrible tragedies that beset the central figure in today’s first reading as well as the unshakeable faith he demonstrated in the face of them. Not that he didn’t despair at times; we need only read Job’s words to know he did, often. But always he remained faithful.
After chronicling his woes for us today, he says: “I know that my Vindicator lives.” How could that be? Why would this “blameless and upright” man hold fast to his belief in God even while never-ending suffering gnawed at his life and his spirit? Because at its essence, true faith means believing even when the world says it doesn’t make sense, even when we ourselves say it doesn’t make sense. Because faith goes beyond reason, beyond common sense, beyond the worldly demand for a neat system of rewards and punishments.
We can look at our own life, at the lives of those we know and love, or at the world around us, and see how many upright people suffer both unimaginable tragedies and ordinary but painful losses that would make even the most saintly person among us ask, “Why?” We won’t get the answer to that question this side of heaven, but can we continue to trust in God even when the prayers aren’t answered according to our plan? When suffering befalls us? When we are bumping around in the dark begging for a sign? Can we, like Job, trust that our Vindicator lives?

Mary DeTurris Poust

Mary DeTurris Poust is a writer, retreat leader, and spiritual director living in upstate New York. Visit her website at NotStrictlySpiritual.com.