Job's Struggle with Life's Storms - Missionary Commentary for
Sunday, June 23

Readings for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Job 38:1, 8-11
Psalm 107:23-31
2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Mark 4:35-41

USCCB Link to the Readings

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Job’s Struggle with Life’s Storms

The Book of Job is only used twice in the Sunday readings of the three-year cycle of the Catholic lectionary; today is one of those unique occasions. This is truly an opportunity to explore the profound wisdom of this short book! A masterpiece of world literature, its central theme is the universal problem of unmerited suffering. The book is named after its central character, Job, who attempts to understand his sufferings.

Story Summary. Succinctly, the narrative concerns Job, a prosperous man of deep piety. God and Satan are conversing about the person of Job. Satan challenges God, asserting that Job is only faithful because God has blessed him with family, health, and wealth. Satan asserts: “Strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face” (Job 1:11). God grants Satan limited permission to put Job to the test.

Job loses everything. Three of his so-called friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) discuss his tragedies, insisting that his suffering is punishment for his personal sins. Job denies their assertions, remaining devoted to God. A fourth man, Elihu, tells Job to humble himself and submit to God’s use of trials to purify his life. Job intensely questions God, but remains faithful—even in his bewilderment. Ultimately, Job is restored to health and happiness.

Important Insights. Considering Job’s experience, we might ask what this biblical book says to those (we are included) who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. First, we must learn that often suffering is not our fault. Truly, bad things happen to good people (childhood cancer, death by a stray bullet, etc.). Often, there are simply no human, logical explanations to life’s tragedies.

Second, it is okay to question and get angry, even with God (God can handle our negative emotions). We are challenged to take our strong emotions and transform them into a passion for productive and creative action. Our righteous anger at injustice should prompt us to take bold action to change the unjust situation.

Further Learnings. Similar to Job, we accept that often our friends—even family members—don’t really understand the situation and the depth of our suffering (and we also may not adequately appreciate other’s difficult situations). Frequently, our best, supportive response to those who suffer is simply to be present and listen, rather than try to offer superficial advice.

Finally, we are to learn that God is beyond our human understanding; his ways are clearly not our ways. Yet, he remains all-present and all-loving. A story from the Holocaust illustrates this point. An old man was digging out a filthy latrine. His Nazi guard challenged him: “Where is your God”? The man replied: “Right here with me in the muck.” Friends, we are asked to believe that God is with us, however much muck is in our lives.

Final Word. A superb, insightful book on this topic is On Job: God-Talk and the Suffering of the Innocent (Gustavo Gutierrez: Orbis Books). Take and read this marvelous treasure!

Notes on the Sunday Readings

First Reading
Job 38:1, 8-11 – The Old Testament has many permanent values for us. Today’s first reading from Job is a meditation on the problem of suffering of innocent people. Although we cannot understand everything in this world, we trust that God controls life’s turbulent waters.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 107:23-31 — This psalm praises God for calming the harsh storm, reducing it to a gentle breeze.

Second Reading
2 Corinthians 5:14-17 — Here Saint Paul explains his deep motivation for his mission dedication; indeed, the love of Christ energized him (and also us).

Gospel
Mark 4:35-41 — The calming of the storm by Jesus is narrated in all three synoptic gospels; it reflects a profound experience of the disciples. In addition, it is a call to faith during life’s storms as well as faith in the person of Jesus

Notes and Commentary by Maryknoller James Kroeger, who recently published
A Joyful Journey with Pope Francis: Exploring Twelve Pivotal Documents
(Faith Alive Books — 2024)

Please pray for the missions.
May God bless you in all the ways you Go Forth…