Optional Memorial of Saint Norbert, Bishop
Tobit, whom we met in the 1st reading of yesterday’s Mass might remind me of Job. Both were good, god-fearing men. Then, the world seemed to collapse around them, begging the questions: What is God doing to me? Am I not loyal to him? So, why do uninvited goats have to come and upset my life’s peaceful-rolling cart?
Consider pious Tobit’s reaction when sweet Anna gets his goat, making her rage on. Ms. Job redux? The scene – funny in part – forces us to ask questions about God’s providence, our own righteousness and the surprising – not always funny – reaction of others – questions that will never be adequately answered in this life.
But such questions should not be dismissed. They have power to deepen faith, rescue it from pious platitudes about oneself and tolerate patiently – even laugh at – the reactions of others. It is in prayer that I learn the object of faith is accepting something I don’t fully understand, and that leads me to reflect on the meaning of today’s responsorial psalm:
“The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.”
Resolution: I shall pray today for anyone who “gets my goat”, and pulls me away from congratulating myself on my self-righteousness, and I shall ask the Lord for the gift to see everyone with the same perspective that he sees us all. That is, with love – and a bit of humor too?