Perseverance in Trials: Reflections on Job

by Carlo Maria Martini, Matthew J. O'Connell (Translator)

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? It counters those questions by asking for belief in God's ultimate justice and (humanly) incomprehensible wisdom. In comments marked by spiritual and pastoral depth, Cardinal Martini, Archbishop of Milan, dwells on certain passages of Job that help shed light on the meaning of the mystery of the human person and the mystery of God. The reflections are gathered from retreat lectures given by the cardinal. When read in an atmosphere of prayer, these pages become a source of light, nourishment, strength, incentive, and consolation.

Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

About the author

Cardinal Martini was an exegetical and theological scholar who has written more than 40 books, and was reputed to speak 11 languages.

Reviews

[Amy Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful book on suffering that I would love to press into the hands of all my friends who are going through hard times. The author, an Italian archbishop, delivers this series of lectures as a Lenten retreat for a group of Italian priests. I started out reading it for Lent and just finished it two weeks into the Easter season. I’ve had to take notes on each chapter because there are so many riches of wisdom in this book. If you’re suffering, or know someone who is, this book could be very helpful.