Tuesday of the 6th week in ordinary time
James 1: 12-18 Mark 8: 14-21
Theme: Trust in God
In the 1st reading of today from St. James, we are told that God does not tempt anyone of us. Rather we are tempted with our personal desires. It simply means that the hand of God is not in any temptation that we find ourselves in life. However, when these temptations come to us and we can overcome them, it strengthens our faith and trust in God. This stems from the fact that our triumph in times of trials and temptations, does not come from only our personal effort, the grace of God also come into play for our own good. That is why St. James is telling us today that anyone who can endure trial the trials that comes to him or her in life, will be given the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
In view of the assertion of St. James in todays 1st reading, it will be important for us to ask ourselves this important question, in times of trial and temptations, do you trust in God and remain steadfast in faith? This is very important, because it will determine whether you are qualified to be among those who will be counted as those who love God. This is very important because many of us do not have the patience to wait on God when we encounter trials and temptations, rather we begin to move from one spiritual home to the other in search of solution, and we forget God almighty who have the power to turn the situation around for our good.
We should always be mindful of the fact that we have a God that can handle any difficulty that we encounter at any point in time in our lives. What we need is to trust in him, have faith, continue to pray while we do our best and wait patiently for God to intervene in the situation in our life. Sometimes, because we are desperate, we become vulnerable and we make mistakes that complicate the situation we have found ourselves in life. The good thing about trusting God and waiting patiently is the fact that nobody or power can change anything that God has decreed when the time comes, and he will never ask you to make any sacrifice or pay anything because of the gift he has given you. Let us take the admonition of St. James seriously today and pray for the grace of patience, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.