Perseverance in Trials: Reflections on Job

by Carlo Maria Martini

Book Overview

Christian life, like life generally, is marked by trials. For this reason, the author has chosen the Book of Job as a primary text for reflection, although other passages of the Old and New Testaments are also offered for meditation.

The story of Job spoke to the Jewish people exiled in Babylonia, even as it speaks to us today. It inspires questions such as, Does suffering have meaning? Can human beings ask God to account for that suffering?...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814620604
• ISBN13: 9780814620601
• Release Date: December 1996
• Publisher: Liturgical Press
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

21st Century Job

Like most of us I have experienced numerous trials in my life, some of them very difficult to endure. What has been tough is finding good written resources to help me meditate, put my troubles into perspective, and spiritually endure. Perseverance in Trials is such a resource. Carlo Maria Martini must have lived through some rough times to provide the insights I find in this book. Perseverance in Trials presents 137 pages of meditations and homilies given at a four day retreat for priests. Cardinal Martini provides meditations on scriptures in the book of Job, and applications that focus upon understanding and applying the lessons of Job to our lives. Martini provides a great many insights into the book of Job and human suffering in general. His advice and exercises are very helpful in dealing with our trials in this life. I am reluctant to attempt a review, however I must hope others share the Cardinal's insights. He offers three notions I will discuss: acceptance, submission, and perseverance. Cardinal Martini suggests that everyone faces trials. Suffering is part of human existence. Facing my trials can lead to a more peaceful life. He also indicates that how I react to unmerited suffering can reveal what I truly am. Carlo Maria Martini counsels that when I am in a situation of suffering, I usually first challenge the situation. "Why me LORD". "How can I possibly endure all this pain or grief?" Next I react with anger, sometimes becoming angry with others or with God. Then I question the situation "What does it mean" and "why do I continue to suffer?". Finally I may long for death. The book says that God expects these reactions and that historically Hebrews prayed songs of lament to express their feelings about their problems. Such lament helps process the suffering. I must learn to accept my trials. Acceptance appears to be a vital reaction for my spiritual growth. Initial acceptance is often not enough. Continued suffering can wear on my faith. Martini talks of a "mysterious submission" that with God's grace can sustain us in long suffering. As his troubles increase, Job clings to his trust in the LORD, but wonders if his trust in the LORD will remain. Martini advises that after accepting my life and submitting to any suffering I experience, I could encounter further difficulty. While still suffering with my problems, I may begin to reflect on my situation and encounter the "worst trial of all." As long as the pain remains, I must continue to accept and submit day after day. This perseverance is very hard. I may realize that I gave my initial acceptance and submitted to this situation, however I am not in control. I must trust in my Lord and surrender to His control. Perseverance in Trials is an vital book. I recommend it.

A "Thinking Man's" exposition!-

Wow. I always new Job was a tough one; but reading this book made me realise the depth of the book of Job. The transcript of a retreat- which this book is - really makes one reflect on his understanding of trials and their meaning. This is an excellent book; but keep your dictionary handy when you read it!

Dynamic and Creative Biblical Insights & Spiritual Guidance

This is a compact treasure of a book by a master biblical scholar and spiritual guide, filled with brilliant insights, thoughtful meditations, and pastoral wisdom. With the the Book of Job as a framework, Martini considers suffering, various Christian responses to suffering, and how we can react to the trials of life. He alternatively probes Job's character, considers third world suffering and our response to it, ponders human knowledge about self and God, and helps us to follow Jesus's trials to live as did Jesus. Throughout the book, he ties together various others' analyses of the challenges that Job presents, referring to such diverse thinkers as Catholic liberation theologians and evangelical Protestants. A typical example of the depth of his meditations is his final one: He compares Job's "unwearying search for divine justice ... and the way human beings can understand it" with "The Song of Songs's unwearying search for love ... and the joy [the presence of the beloved] brings." I'd never heard the two compared before, but I delighted in the parallels he revealed. In each chapter, Martini demonstrates miraculous wisdom and balance in considering difficult challenges in one's Christian life. His discussion of coping with a restless mind not only led me to better appreciate and balance Martini's continual emphasis on dialogue and an exchange of views with others, as evidenced by his Belief or Non-Belief? (written with Umberto Eco) or his thoughts about the role of doubt, but most important, it proved to be great pastoral advice for such people as me with a wandering mind. Throughout the book, Martini's comparisons with other biblical passages, from both Old and New Testaments, prove extraordinarily creative and dynamic. He considers Job from diverse perspectives, all with the aim to guide one's meditations on the Bible and to richen one's spiritual life.