Tuesday of the 26th week in ordinary time
Job 3: 1-3. 11-17.20-23 Luke 9: 51-56
Theme: The blessings of God
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Theresa of the child Jesus, a Carmelite and the Patroness of the missions. She was a young girl who had the zeal to serve God as a religious, at the early age of 15. She served God and his people zealously until she died at the age of 24. Her call to the religious life and her way of life, simply points out the fact that age is not a barrier if we want to truly serve God and humanity. She did not allow her health to stop her from serving the people of God. We are all encouraged to emulate her service to humanity in our personal lives.
In the 1st reading of today from the Book of Job, we are presented with the end of the narrative on Job. In his ordeals and difficulties that befell him because of Gods trust in him, he did not disappoint God or allow his faith in God to fail, he rather remained steadfast to the end in humility and God blessed his faith and steadfastness. Amidst his travails, he humbled himself before God and he was richly blessed by God. He was blessed with more than what he ever had before he lost everything. The story of Job should be a source of great strength for you and me as children of God. This is because at one time or the other in our life, we may experience difficulties and setbacks in our life that will test our faith, at such moment we must draw strength from the story of Job, knowing very well that at such a moment God can never desert us. He is by our side and will come to our assistance when the need arises; he will never allow our challenges in life to overwhelm us if we remain steadfast in faith at such a time, just like Job did.
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus rebuked his Apostles who wanted to bid fire from heaven to consume the Samaritans who refused to allow them in their place. Jesus used the opportunity to teach his followers that there was no need for violence, since they have another option that will help them to achieve their aim. This says a lot about the person of Jesus, he does not use his power to oppress people in any way, he will rather prefer to do the right thing. Let us learn today never to use our power or position at the detriment of other people, by oppressing them or manipulating them. May the Lord bless his words in our hearts in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.