It was a time of persecution after the martyrdom of Stephen, Satan challenged God and Job was the subject of the challenge. Satan was certain that Job would abandon his faith if all his material possessions, and his servants and children were taken from him. God knew that Job was a man of great faith, so he told Satan to exercise power over all that Job had. When Job's children and servants were killed along with his animals, not only did Job not curse the Lord, but he did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing. Instead, he blessed the name of the Lord. Can we also remember to bless the Lord and thank God for the blessings we have received, even though life can be tough most of the time?

The disciples were concerned about who was the greatest among them. Jesus responded by lifting a child and encouraging the disciples to welcome children in Jesus' name for that would be the same as welcoming Jesus. This was illustrated very well when Pope Leo XIV was in Spain surrounded by a crowd. A small child ran to welcome him, and Pope Leo lifted the child and spent time chatting with the little one before returning to the adults. Let us all be aware of the vulnerable and be welcoming to them for this is Christ's calling to those who would follow Him.