Jesus Was Tried

Trial reveals our strengths and flaws.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of 6th Week in Ordinary Time II, February 12th, 2024
Texts: James 1:1-11; Psalm 119; Mark 8:11-13 

Trial or test, whatever we may call it, is part of reality of life; we cannot escape it. Today’s gospel reading is a story of how Jesus was tried. We read, “The Pharisees came and began to argue with  Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven, to test him.” They tried Him by asking Him for a sign. It was a trial because they asked for the sign to make joke of Him. Jesus ignored them and avoided the temptation to feed His human ego. Human ego does not serve God.  
The way out of trial is to leverage on its advantage. That is the point St. James makes in today’s first reading. He says, “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” We learn from Jesus that trial helps in crushing human ego, which often puts us against God. 

The benefits of steadfastness is perfection

St. James tells us that the benefit of trial is steadfastness. However, it is when we put through to the end that we gain it. We gain no steadfastness without putting through to the end. St. James simply admonishes us to focus on the steadfastness and its benefits during trial. The benefits of steadfastness is perfection. We cannot be perfect without steadfastness. We will neither be here nor there without steadfastness. It is steadfastness that gives us identity.  

St. James shows that we need steadfastness to receive anything from God. This is clear when he says, “For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the  Lord.” We become unstable and double-minded persons without steadfastness. Being steadfast we are stable and single-minded.  

Trial reveals our strengths and flaws

Being sad about trial does not help, it only demean us and we lose opportunity to grow and become better. Trial reveals our strengths and flaws. Confronting our flaws should not scare us and lead us to despair. St. James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.” When we confront our flaws, we should draw close to God, asking for strength. 

Prayer  

God of power and might, You know we are human, weak and frail, support us with Your strength we are about to fail; always raise us up in Your love when we fall. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke