Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5
Psalm 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14ab
Luke 10:13-16
In today's first reading, Job responds to God's admonition by saying, "Behold I am of little account; what can I answer you?" The realization of being a creature can bring us to authentic humility, as it did Job. We have no special entitlement or right to our existence. God, in His boundless love, gratuitously made us; and He made us in His image and likeness, intending that we come to share all eternity with Him.
The understanding that we are made in image of God illuminates today's Psalm revelation that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." This awareness, like the realization of Job, leads to the Magnificat of Our Blessed Mother: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord . . . for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant."
In other words, as we might hear from time to time, "It's not about you. It isn't about us." It is all about God, His love for us and His plan of salvation in Christ Jesus. It is about us insofar as we surrender to God, make His will ours, and not thwart God's plan through sin or indifference.
You made me in Your image so as to move me to love You more.You love everything about me. In You is the fulfillment of all my desires.
(Francisco de Osuna, The Third Spiritual Alphabet, T.16, Ch.10)
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
