The first reading (Job 1: 6-22) reminds us that of what Saint Ignatius of Loyal in his 14 rules called “Spiritual Desolation” which we need to get out of as soon as possible. Job experienced ugly predicaments, moments of despair, hardships, desolation, and difficulties, and despite everything he remained faithful throughout the ordeals.
What do we learn from the story of Job today? Our lives are not full of roses. Christian life is not always smooth sailing. We are called to carry our crosses. However, we should reject any forms of spiritual desolation. God gives the grace I need to get safely through this desolation.
In the Gospel passage (Luke 9: 46-50), we heard that some of Jesus’ disciples were arguing and bickering among themselves, who among them were the most important. Saint James (3:16-4:3) question made sense here: “Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from?” He added “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.”
This is exactly what Jesus prevented among his disciples. Jesus did not waste time in shutting down such attitude among his disciples. He rebuked them for those attitudes, behaviors and for their pettiness with worldly things and power.
The call to discipleship is a call to service. As we all know, jealousy and resentment are no strangers in our church today. We experience this in our families, in our parishes, and among parish groups or organizations. We are called to follow Jesus in the road of discipleship. He is calling us to a new relationship, a new way of life, that of service. We are reminded to guard against selfish ambition. We need self-less ambition and not self-ish ambition.
Today, the Church celebrates the life of Saint Jerome, Priest and Scripture Scholar. His selfless life is a testament to us today. Saint Jerome is known for his work in translating the Old Testament from the Hebrew and Biblical commentaries. He is also known for his famous quote: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ!” Saint Jerome was an avid student, a scholar, a prodigious letter-writer, and a consultant to monk, bishop, and pope. Saint Augustine said of him, “What Jerome is ignorant of, no mortal has ever known.”
Like the child in today’s gospel, who is a symbol of weakness, vulnerability, dependability, and discipleship, may we not lose sight of the way of discipleship and to be equipped for the mission.
Have a wonderful week
