The dictionary defines comfort as "state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint" and "the easing or alleviation of a person's feeling of grief or distress" (Oxford). If that is their explanation, nothing said to Job was going to change his (or my friend's) predicament. Bildad was supposedly operating from a position of wisdom - so much for wisdom... Is comfort or accompaniment more a appropriate posture? I agree with the comfort responses presented by my fellow Biblical travelers. The reflection presented today by Dynamic Catholic suggested that an action or deed done without love counted for nothing. I'm still processing/pondering some things in my head as you can tell. Some suggestions presented on line for words (when needed) that I find complementary are "I care about you" or "You are important to me". As we have heard often, do all things in love.

The dictionary defines comfort as "state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint" and "the easing or alleviation of a person's feeling of grief or distress" (Oxford). If that is their explanation, nothing said to Job was going to change his (or my friend's) predicament. Bildad was supposedly operating from a position of wisdom - so much for wisdom... Is comfort or accompaniment more a appropriate posture? I agree with the comfort responses presented by my fellow Biblical travelers. The reflection presented today by Dynamic Catholic suggested that an action or deed done without love counted for nothing. I'm still processing/pondering some things in my head as you can tell. Some suggestions presented on line for words (when needed) that I find complementary are "I care about you" or "You are important to me". As we have heard often, do all things in love.

I have a neighbor who has experienced physical debilitation and a change in ability to perform a chosen profession. I was advised that the family felt the matter was private and did not want help or information distributed to the neighbors. I felt my help was not wanted and did not know how to provide comfort or care. Some neighbors during the pandemic have provided each other with boxes of fresh vegetables; the family returned the food to me and other neighbors and said they did not want them. Was I like the friends of Job? We took flowers and a card. I wrote that we didn't know what I could do to physically help and our fervent prayers are always being offered. My hope is that we left the door open in a non-intrusive way.

I consider my challenge to be my self-doubt. I find it difficult to believe that I have the skills to overcome, tackle or succeed at the task I have been assigned. I consider myself a participator: someone who can be given an assignment and then help to carry it out. My "tonic" to cure this is to clean my ears and quietly listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit and to hear the suggestions, observe visual cues, study the subject more intensely. It is difficult to name one person. Many people have encouraged, prayed and supported me in my efforts to be a vehicle to spread the Good News. For their words, support and encouragement, I am greatful.