Many A Time We Focus On Our Challenges

Remembering God’s wonders transforms our problem.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Tuesday of 6th Week in Ordinary Time II, February 13th, 2024
Texts: James 1:12-18; Psalm 94; Mark 8:14-21 

Many a time we focus on our challenges and lose sight of what to do and the power of God. This is clear in today’s gospel reading. The apostles could not understand Jesus’ caution because they focused on their problem.  

We read, “The disciples had forgotten to bring bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And  Jesus cautioned them, saying, ‘Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.’ And they discussed it with one another, saying, ‘We have no bread.’" 

They disciples lost the memory of what God could do because they focused on their problem. They would have not bothered so much if they had the memory of what God could do for them. Jesus Christ reminded them thus, "Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? ... And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?"  

Remembering God’s wonders transforms our problem

We should always remember and meditate on the wonders of God. Remembering the wonders of God inspires trust in Him and to see joy in our problems. Remembering God’s wonders transforms our problem and makes it sweet to bear. This affirms that God is more than our problem.  

Today’s first reading is about the joy hidden in trials. St. James says, “Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.” There is joy and God’s favour in putting through to the end of trial.  

Prayer  

Give us, O Lord, the grace not to be limited by our problem but look beyond it to experience joy; may we always remember your wonders and build our trust in You. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke