*REFLECTION FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. JEROME/ FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II* 

Today we celebrate the Memorial of one of the greatest Biblical Scholars of Christendom, St. Jerome. Jerome (345-420) was born of Christian parents in Dalmatia, and was baptized in Rome while taking his classical courses. He studied under the best masters in foreign cities. This extraordinarily gifted man heard and obeyed the divine call to the priesthood. He later met an old hermit, Malchus, who inspired him and he withdrew to a hermitage in the Syrian desert where he devoted time to studying the Scriptures. Pope Damasus commissioned him to translate the Latin version of Scriptures known as Vulgate which took him 30 years to finish. 

   In the first reading (Job 38: 1, 12-21, 40: 3-5), Job succumbing to pressure from his "friends" decided to seek explanation from God, to know why series of calamities have befallen him. However, in response, God asks Job if he is able to understand divine plans. At the end Job admits that he shouldn't have asked the question in the first place, but rather should trust in God's goodness. Do you realise that God is aware of all going on in your life?

   In the gospel (Luke 10: 13-16), Jesus confronts the cities who have failed to accept the good news of Salvation after hearing His word. They are more irresponsible and sinful than the pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon. Anyone who rejects the Word rejects God. Do you know that rejection of Salvation is the sin against the Holy Spirit?

   Dear friends, God is asking one thing of us: to listen to His words and be open to the plans God has for us. Our quest to fully understand God's ways and thought can lead to frustration. Godplan for is good and God requests of us to trust Him in the affairs of our lives.

   I pray as we journey in life today, our quest for understanding and unravelling the mysteries of God should not be obstacles to us in experiencing God's presence in the affairs of our live. May we constantly realise that God knows us more than we know ourselves and allow God to direct. I give you thanks, Lord, that I am fearlly and wonderfully made (Ps 139: 14). Have a trust-full day!

 *@Fr Francis Onwunali*