The Patience of Job

Rebroadcast of the long-running radio program, "The Ave Maria Hour," a presentation of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. www.AtonementFriars.org

This episode illustrates the biblical Book of Job. In the scriptures, Job is described as a blessed man who lives righteously in the Land of Uz. The Lord's praise of Job prompts Satan to suggest that Job serves God simply because God has been generous with him. God removes Job's protection and gives permission to Satan to take his wealth, his children, and his physical health but not his life.

As these afflictions become almost unbearable, Job does not curse God, but rather curses the day of his birth. And although he anguishes over his plight, he stops short of accusing God of injustice. Job’s friends argue with him whether the punishments are justified and offer him solutions. Job rebukes his friends, saying that he accepts that his affliction is God's will even though he despairs at not knowing why. Job’s faith in God is rewarded with his being restored to an even better condition than his former wealthy state.