September 28. Make Room for Life!   One family in their sharing time reflected and shared together on the story of Job. Michael explained, “It is a teaching story of Job, who was rich, had many children but God allowed Satan, the tempter, to test him.  The test was, “Would he still believe in God’s goodness if all his possessions were taken away?”   He lost everything, home, family, possessions and his body was covered in sores.  His friends kept pestering him to blame God. He was almost at a point of cursing God but some faith remained in him.”  “I wonder if something like that happened to me how would I react? “  “It makes me think of unemployment. Some youth have never worked but I know a number of men who were retrenched.  That is one of the most difficult things because as bread-winner he loses his ability to provide along with his dignity and the respect of his kids.  Does he blame God?” “It depends……..  “    Dad decided to add the last chapter of the story.  “Job did acknowledge God’s greatness and his own lack of understanding so he chose to repent and ask God for forgiveness.  God then blessed him with ever more possessions.” 

Reflect, share, act. Scripture: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return.  The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.“ Job 1:6-22.  Pope Francis:   Human beings too are creatures of this world, enjoying a right to life and happiness, and endowed with unique dignity. So we cannot fail to consider the effects on people’s lives of environmental deterioration, current models of development and the throwaway culture. LS 43. Work should be the setting for rich personal growth, where many aspects of life enter into play; creativity, planning for the future, developing our talents, living out our values, relating to others, giving glory to God. LS 127.   Eco-tip:  Read up on the whole story of Job,  and share on its different messages, especially his integrity, but also the focus on his wealth and possessions as blessings.

DAILY FAMILY PRAYER from Season of Creation 2026.  May God our Father, who brought water from a rock, sustain us in the desert. May Christ our Lord, who is Living Water, refresh us for the work of restoration.  May the Holy Spirit carry us on currents of grace until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amen. St Francis guide and inspire us on our way.