The scriptures read are Job 7-9, Psalm 148 and 2 Corinthians 7.
Job 7. Job complains that life is hard, painful and ephemeral. He wishes his life were over since he has seen the last of goodness. Even sleep gives him no rest. Well, he won't be around long. (Job sounds suicidal to me.)
Job 8. Bildad speaks. Does he pick up on Job's despair? Does he empathize with his suffering friend? No. He says that God doesn't make mistakes so Job's kids must have sinned. Everything in the world makes perfect sense to Bildad. Get down on your knees and God will make everything right.
Job 9. Bildad has added nothing new to the discussion so Job ignores him and wonders how he could make his case before God. God knows more. Job acknowledges that God's wisdom is immense as is his power. It's an unequal match. Job just wishes God would hear him. Or maybe God is indifferent to people, good or bad.
Psalm 148. Let everything and everyone praise God. This is so encyclopedic it reminds me of St. Patrick's Breastplate or St. Francis' Canticle of the Sun.
2 Corinthians 7. Paul wrote a rather harsh letter between 1 Corinthians and this letter. He was worried about its effect. Then Titus came with the news that the Corinthians straightened up and flew right. They were even concerned about Paul. And the distress has brought the church closer to God. All in all, the harsh letter did its work. Paul is proud of this church for turning things around so thoroughly.
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