Reflection on Today's Readings, Monday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time Year II, September 28th, 2020
Texts: Job 1:6-22; Ps. 17:1-3.6-7; Luke 9:46-50
The question whether we fear God for nothing or not could be hard to answer in the midst of riches and power. It could be difficult, some time, to know how pure one's love is in the midst of riches, security and comfort. We may even be lost in wealth and forget God's love; this is because we could be deluded by false confidence and security wealth provides. It could also be the other way round that we love God because of wealth and security he has granted. In today's first reading, the devil makes the case for Job that he served God because of wealth and security God has given him.
Many a time trial helps to purify our love for God and also makes us aware of God's love for us. Our love is purified by removing the things that may likely be the anchors of our love for God. Hence, God says, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only upon himself do not put forth your hand." Those who do not love God quickly abandon him when trial comes, while those who love him genuinely remain resolute. The first reading tells us that Job remains resolute in his love for God. It reads, "The Job arose, and worshipped. And he said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return; 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 wrong." After trial we are convinced of our love for God and also become aware of his love in a new and better way.
Humility in the midst of riches clarifies our love for God and creates awareness of God's love for us. Being humble is being the least. It takes a great deal of sacrifice and self-discipline to be humble in the midst of riches and power. Jesus says, "He who is least among you all is the one who is great." Humility is the ability let go honour, riches, power and influence; it is ability to lay down one's ego for God. In humility our hearts are not set on riches and influence, but find delight in God. Humility in the midst of riches makes us not to cling to the riches and influence, but to God. In humility we are not afraid of lowly place, so when those things that make people have high opinion of us are gone, we will still be able to bless the name of the Lord. It is in humility that we fear God for nothing.
Lord our God, open our eyes to know that the way of humility is the way to greatness and help us to be humble. Amen.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
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