Eighth Monday of Ordinary 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.

Our faith in the promises of Christ should see us through every trial and difficulty. Knowing that God loves and forgives us should grant us an inner strength to strive to do God’s Will no matter the cost. Our belief in Jesus will not shield us from suffering, but it can provide us with an inner peace that gives us the strength to suffer what we must in order to be good and faithful servants to God and His children. Our goal in life should not be to live without suffering, but rather to live for the praise, glory, and honor of God, which sometimes means being tested with fire so we might be purified and made worthy of salvation.

Have we put our trust in God? Are we willing to do His Will no matter the cost? In what ways can we prove ourselves as good and faithful servants?

O Lord, may our faith always be genuine.

Amen.