From the second episode of The Rifleman television series entitled Home Ranch, first broadcast on October 7, 1958. Lucas McCain and his son are taking possession of their ranch outside of North Fork that McCain purchased in the first episode. Agents of a local cattle baron, who has been using the range of the abandoned ranch, burn down the house on the property in order to force McCain to sell the land to the cattle baron. His ten year old son Mark, in despair, says it looks to him as if the Lord is dead set against them ever owning a ranch. McCain responds by telling his son the story of Job. Director Sam Peckinpah loved the Book of Job, and would often recite verses from it when he encountered bumps in the road during his life.
Few if any TV shows like this any longer.
One of the greatest compliments a soul will ever receive is being told that they have the patience of Job. God in his great love for mankind gives us Job and thus, a reality that all is never lost. Never.
The suicidal tsunami seems to be gathering momentum. No hope. This as more and more sophisticated parents and teachers do not advocate any formalized religion. I’ll always remember my wifes nephews response as I mentioned baptism for his first newborn son; “Never! My son will pick out his own if he so chooses, but I hope he never chooses a religion.”
Meanwhile, the answers for the truly despondent are found by ending their own lives.
Because many do not understand or attend church services, you are their hope. You are the only Church a soul may have encountered.
You may have saved a life without ever knowing it. That’s Good News. Thanks Job.
Late in my morning prayer.
Today’s reading from Micah; “Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, And will agian have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt?
In the daily readings that stretch from East to West in our Catholic Church, this first reading, partial reading (Micah 7:14-15, 18-20), caught me after the earlier post above. About Job and souls who despair and give up, unlike Job. The souls who might not of ended their lives if they had only known Gods love and forgiveness.
Thanks. I needed that.