Job 7.1-4, 6-7 ･ Ps. 147.1+2, 4+5, 3+6 ･ 1Cor.9.16-19,22-23 ･ Mark 1.39-49
Who among us upon entering the church or a favorite prayer room will immediately kneel down or simply sit down with prayerful atmosphere bringing with him or her a prayer for others more than oneself most especially for those who are more brokenhearted, with so much misery, and pain...physically and emotionally. With the pastoral endeavors of our Church, we are much aware of the reality in the world about the sorrow, suffering, pain and grief of our people. Maybe in some point in the life also of those directly witnesses of, or directly experiencing these pains, question the kindness and mercy of God. I invite you to read more and reflect more about how Job carried on in his life's hardships, experiences of restless nights, and no happy day. Maybe we can wonder how Job has taken his sufferings to the end. We may not know that somebody just nearby lives like that of Job's. I also remembered an anonymous author during our articles review course at theology school, that author asking why there is so much pain in the world, and where God is in these times.
At the same time, as we continue to reach-out to more people, we hear of many people who continue to praise God, and continue to believe in a God who cares deeply about human sufferings and actively exists and works to heal the brokenhearted and restore the human race to a faithful relationship with Him. It may still be a challenge for each of us on how we shall understand that work of restoration despite realities. so that instead of further questionings we will just simply be willed and inspired to continue praise the "Somebody" above us, and believe and trust in God's compassion and healing power.
With many and different experiences, and beautiful and not so beautiful stories of many others, we continue to hope to understand more the unending mercy and love of God amidst continuous pain and suffering in the world, and may unrest in some parts of the world.