top of page
First Reading.png

First Reading: Job 23:1-9, 16-17

October 13, 2024

A reading from Job.
Having experienced much loss, Job longs to come into God’s presence, where he can defend his own righteousness. Job cannot find God, but he never doubts that God exists and is in relationship with him. Job knows that he will come out of this time of testing refined like pure gold.

1Job answered [his friend:]
 2“Today also my complaint is bitter;
  [God’s] hand is heavy despite my groaning.
 3Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
  that I might come even to his dwelling!
 4I would lay my case before him,
  and fill my mouth with arguments.
 5I would learn what he would answer me,
  and understand what he would say to me.
 6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
  No; but he would give heed to me.
 7There an upright person could reason with him,
  and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.

 8“If I go forward, he is not there;
  or backward, I cannot perceive him;
 9on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;
  I turn to the right, but I cannot see him.
 16God has made my heart faint;
  the Almighty has terrified me;
 17If only I could vanish in darkness,
  and thick darkness would cover my face!”

bottom of page