From the Friars: Out of the Storm

Job suffered horribly and his friends contend that he must have committed some wicked deed to deserve such punishment. He insists on his innocence and makes a dramatic oath, pleading for God to judge and acquit him. (31:35) In today’s first reading we hear part of the response, when God finally speaks “out of the storm.” He does not answer directly but questions Job in a way that makes it clear that, as a mere creature, he is not able to fully understand the infinite power and wisdom of the One Who created all that exists out of nothing. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (38:4)

To his great credit, Job gets the message, and humbly acknowledges that he has presumed to make judgements about things that are beyond him. “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. … I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees thee; therefore, I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (42:3-6)

The great mystery of how an All-Good, All-Powerful and All-Knowing Creator can allow innocent people to suffer is a profound challenge for all of us. The Book of Job helps us to have the right approach to the question, that of an honest acknowledgement of our limits. We can ask why, but it should be with humble trust. Only in the Paschal Mystery of Our Lord Jesus Christ will God’s full answer be made manifest. And even now we are not able to fully grasp His Providence.

The crisis of faith in our time is largely rooted in prideful presumption. The age of Artificial Intelligence is upon us. The wonders of technology will only increase more rapidly. But none of this will answer the most important questions of our existence. Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? What is the meaning of suffering and death? Only the Eternal Creator can reveal these things to us. Let us follow the example of holy Job and surrender in trust to the One Who calms the storm by the power of His word.

–Fr. Peter