Sixth Monday of Ordinary Time

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.

It’s hard to be joyful while we are suffering, but that is exactly what each of us are called to do as Christians. We are all called to cultivate a spirit of perseverance that will suffer every trial with calm, humility, and love. If we are able to accept the trials and tribulations that come from choosing right over wrong, then we can perfect our suffering and make it into a holy sacrifice to God for all. In addition to being joyful in all things, we are also called to live wisely and well, doing all things for God and His children. It’s not always easy to know what to do in our lives, but as long as we pray to God for His guidance He will give us every opportunity to choose the right path.

Do we suffer joyfully or let our sufferings anger us or wear us down? How can we cultivate the virtue of perseverance in the face of suffering? Do we seek God’s wisdom whenever we are faced with a decision in our lives?

O Lord, grant us a spirit of joy and the virtues of perseverance and wisdom.

Amen.