26th Week in Ordinary Time

Why do you hound me? 

On top of all the sorrow and loss that Job experienced, he had to endure the judgment and misunderstanding of his wife and friends. “Curse God and die!” his wife told him (2:9). And his friends accused him at length of being prideful and not really loving God. No wonder Job asked, “Why do you hound me as though you were divine, and insatiably prey upon me?” (19:22). We can take a lesson from Job—and his wife and friends—on what we can do and what we should not do when people close to us experience times of trial and hardship.

We can remember that times of difficulty can also be times of deep loneliness. Even Jesus needed the presence and support of his closest friends during his hour of need. He asked them to “keep watch” with him during his intense suffering (Matthew 26:38).

When someone we know is suffering, they need our support, not necessarily our “help.” Our natural impulse is often to offer them well-meaning words of advice when what they most need is to know that, no matter what happens, we will still be with them. Words of encouragement can have a lasting impact and infuse hope into our loved ones’ weary hearts. Imagine how Job would have felt if his wife and friends had told him, “We don’t understand why all this is happening. But we believe that somehow, God can bring good out of this. Know that we’re standing with you in faith.” Or, “How can we support you right now?” He might have found extra strength to persevere rather than facing his trials alone!

When someone you love is suffering, try to avoid the mistakes that Job’s wife and friends made. Try not to offer unsolicited advice or criticism. When you speak, let your words be filled with encouragement and faith and hope. Or maybe don’t say anything at all! Sometimes we can be Christ’s presence simply by showing up: sitting with them in the hospital, visiting them in prison, or joining them in their pew at Mass.

Through our support and God’s faithfulness, may our friends come to say, “I know that my Vindicator lives” (Job 19:25).

“Lord, you are so faithful. Help me to be a faithful friend when someone needs me.”

Job 19:21-27
Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14
Luke 10:1-12