Given the world in which we live, it is inevitable that the Bible should bear witness to the darkness that often affects our human outlook on life. It is also inevitable that at least some passages in the Bible may seem somewhat pessimistic, for the Bible is the story of our human existence as well as the word of God revealing him to us. So, in the great meditation on suffering which constitutes the Book of Job, there is much light of revelation and reflection on the greatness of God and the consolation which comes from great fidelity. At the same time, there are passages, such as the one we read today, where we touch the pathos, sorrow and mystery of our encounter with evil.

"My eyes will never again see joy." These words express a moment in Job's struggle with evil and indeed maybe words that some poor people under great suffering might well apply to themselves.

We are very blessed, however, because, through the faith and hope which Jesus brought us, we know that these words are not the final expression of the meaning of life.