Reflection:

The Book of Job confronts the problem of suffering. The common explanation was that suffering was a punishment for sin. Though Job is a good man, he suffers greatly.
His suffering causes him to take a gloomy view of life (First Reading).
This sets the scene for the Gospel. However, what we see in the Gospel is not Jesus’ answer to the question ‘why suffering?’, but his response to actual suffering. He heals the sick and proclaims the good news of salvation. The Gospel also shows the urgency with which he dedicated himself to preaching the Gospel, something we see exemplified also in Paul (Second Reading).

Today’s Gospel shows us how in the midst of all his work Jesus took time out to pray. Every Mass provides us with a great opportunity to take time out to be with the Lord.
Do I have a regular discipline of prayer?
Do I take time to praise God, to express my gratitude and love, to pray about my life and the life of the world?