Feast of Saint James, Apostle

We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

When we are suffering trials in body, mind, or spirit, it is difficult to see that God is with us. However, He is and if we trust in Him and allow Him to strengthen us, then no obstacles will be too difficult to overcome. We may be afflicted by the world, but not constrained in our faith. We may be perplexed by our problems, but not driven to despair. We may be persecuted by our enemies, but never abandoned. We may be struck down by some hardship, but not destroyed. This is because although we might suffer in body, mind, and spirit, our sufferings are united to the life of Christ. In him, they find their meaning and purpose as a sacrifice finds its meaning and purpose on the altar. So, let us manifest the life of Jesus in our mortal flesh by making ourselves into living sacraments of sacrifice and grace for the glory of God and the good of all His children.

What afflictions, confusions, and persecutions are we suffering? How can we make them into meaningful sacrifices to God? How can we die to ourselves so that we might live more perfectly with God?

O Lord, we carry your dying within us so that we might live your life.

Amen.