Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live. — Psalm 119:77

Mass Readings: James 1:1-11 / Mark 8:11-13

Navigating the Trials of Life

Life is anything but a straight line. We never move directly from point A to point B without a few detours, reversals, or dead ends. Life is circuitous. But if we persevere we’ll reach our goals. St. James tells his readers that we should count the trials of life as a joy, realizing that such difficulties strengthen us for the road ahead which will continue to be windy and bumpy.

We shouldn’t shrink away from trials. Experience tells us that we’ll learn the most along the path of life when we have sufficient courage to engage rather than to avoid the many challenges that life brings. Let us, therefore, as strange as it might sound, welcome the trials of life. Negotiating them will bring us closer to God and life eternal.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to never shy away from challenges You bring my way.