February 4, Wednesday Weekday

The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.--Psalm: 103:(see 17)

Mass readings: Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15 / Mark 6:1-6

God's 'Discipline'

A 9-year-old whines, ''I don't wanna catch the ball when it comes fast. It makes my hand hurt!'' The minor, momentary discomfort serves a purpose, of course, and this kid needs a dose of, ''That's baseball. When your hand -- and you -- get toughened up, you won't feel it.'' In other words, it really is ''good for you.''

But what if the kid falls, lands awkwardly, and never walks again? Is that basically the same thing? Today's reading from Hebrews 12 tells us to endure trials as God's loving ''discipline,'' and it doesn't distinguish between briefly smarting skin and permanent paralysis. We could discuss endlessly whether God sends a particular trial or simply allows it. But we know that trusting acceptance ensures that ultimately it will be ''good for us.''

Prayer: Father, help me cultivate an attitude that will make any trial ''good for me.''