Throughtout his story of Jesus' public ministry St Luke pictured Jesus on a relentless journey towards Jerusalem for it was there that through his death and resurrection he would achieve the salvation of the world. The mission of Jesus was an arduous one, requiring suffering and death, but Jesus eagerly looked forward to its completion. He struggled with and overcame any reluctance because he was filled with a sense of purpose.

Job, on the other hand, felt that he already had two strikes against him. He was so miserable in his misfortunes that he was tempted to go on strike against God. He was near despair because he could see no reason or purpose in his sufferings. It was through only a desperate and blind act of faith that he continued to cling to God.

Life is easier for us that it was for Job. Because Jesus has gone before us we have a clearer vision of the meaning of suffering and death. The Vatican Council teaches us that "Jesus blazed a trail and if we follow it, life and death are made holy and take on a new meaning" (Church in the Modern World, 22). With Jesus we too are on a journey. But our destiny will not be fulfilled in the earthly city of Jerusalem. It will be fulfilled with Jesus in the heavenly Jerusalem in union with His Father, our Father, who will grant us the gift of everlasting life.