Temporary Trials

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052818.cfm) reminds me that trials of this world are temporary, and overcoming them brings eternal rewards. 

Looking at the world, we see that a lot of wicked people prosper. Worldly people prosper. Those corrupt, abusive and evil people seem to be rewarded. They prosper in the world, attaining wealth, power and glory. However, those who do good and try to follow God do not seem to be rewarded. This may be what it looks like, but the first reading tells us the truth. 

rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

God sees our suffering. And God will reward those are faithful to Him. 

There you go. Makes sense, right? As we experience challenges, trials and problems because of our faith, because of following God, we know that these things will strengthen us, will strengthen our faith, and we will be able to praise, honor and glorify God more. And this will eventually lead to our eternal reward - when we spend eternity with Him. 

When we see other people, worldly people prosper, let us not lose hope. Let us not question ourselves. Let us continue to trust in God. Let us continue to do good. Let us suffer for Him. Let us get strength from him and allow him to fill us. And let us expect him to change us and make us more like him. 

What are the challenging I am experiencing right now? Are these because of my own doing and bad decisions, or are these because of my faith in God that results in me doing the right things though it may be unpopular and not beneficial? How do I respond to these challenges? How do I see these challenges? 

May we always be firm and faithful to God, especially when faced with challenges.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for the reminder and exhortation. Sorry for the times I question you when I suffer. Sorry for the times I compare myself with others, and envy prosperous people. Sorry for the times I give up and turn my back on you when experiencing suffering and pain. Lord, as I experience challenges for you, may I remain faithful and focused on you. Help me be loyal.  I surrender, Lord. Use me for your greater glory. Make me more like you. And when the right time comes, may you welcome me into your kingdom. Amen. 

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2017/02/what-must-i-do.html

Daily Readings

May 28, 2018

Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 347

Reading 1 1 PT 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you
who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while
you may have to suffer through various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.

Responsorial Psalm PS 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 AND 10C

R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
His praise endures forever.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia 2 COR 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother."
He replied and said to him,
"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
"You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
At that statement, his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
"How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!"
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
"Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God."
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
"Then who can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said,
"For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God."