Seventh Tuesday of Ordinary Time

My son, when you come to serve the LORD, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity. Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not; thus will you be wise in all your ways. Accept whatever befalls you, when sorrowful, be steadfast, and in crushing misfortune be patient; for in fire gold and silver are tested, and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and God will help you; trust in him, and he will direct your way; keep his fear and grow old therein.

As Christians, we must be prepared for trials. Doing God's Will requires many sacrifices on our part. We must be willing to sacrifice our selfish desires, our goods, our possessions, and even our lives to follow the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We need to cultivate sincerity, steadfastness, and understanding during our times of adversity. We must learn patience, acceptance, and trust of God even in the midst of trial and humiliation. Most of all, we should fear disappointing God through our actions or inactions because it is this fear that helps drive us to do good and avoid evil.

Are we prepared for the trials and adversities that await us as Christians? What sacrifices are we willing to make? How can our fear of the Lord help us to make better decisions in how we live our lives?

O Lord, help us to serve you in justice and always be afraid of disappointing you.

Amen.