Meeting Heroes

Lily Cathcart October 21, 2018 0 0

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Job 38: 3-5

3 Gird up your loins like a man,
    I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

4 ‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?

They say you should never meet your heroes. Imagine meeting your favourite author only to discover that they are a normal and possibly quite grumpy person. I’m sure you wouldn’t be the first to be disappointed. But what if your hero is disappointed when they meet you?

In The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey the protagonist Melanie begins the tale in admiration and awe of her teacher Miss Justineau. However early in the story she is dismayed to learn that Miss Justineau has no choice but to fear her and keep a distance between them.

In the reading today from the book of Job the protagonist meets his hero: God, and is dismayed to realise God is berating him, effectively asking ‘and who are you anyway?’.

Despite this; God still cares for Job and Miss Justineau still cares for Melanie. In both books we watch as the protagonists go through harrowing events and are reassured that, even with occasional harsh words, their heroes do not leave them.

God of Job and of us,

Thank you that despite obstacles and sometimes despite appearances you care for us.

Thank you that in stories and in life we see examples of steadfast love.

Please help us to reflect that love in our own relationships, even when situations are tough.

Amen.