Feast of the Great Missionary Brothers: Cyril and Methodius.

TRIALS ARE JOYFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, 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."  (James 1: 2 - 4).

How can you consider it a joyful thing when you are bombarded by trials in your marriage, health, finances and job?

Monday 14th February 2022 in the 6th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of the two great missionary brothers, Saints Cyril and Methodius (+869) & (+885),Priest and Bishop respectively.
They evangelized parts of Europe in the 9th century, notably Moravia (present-day Czech Republic).  Pope John Paul II proclaimed them patron saints of Europe, along with St. Benedict, the abbot.

Where are the storms in your life today? Family, Health, Finances, Job, Property or Tools? 

All storms and trials are sanctioned by God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence. Because the storms are sanctified, they are blessings in disguise.

Storm times are exam times.  Where do you place your trust?  Who is the first person you call upon to help you? Jeremiah tells us in last Sunday's reading:
"Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord. (Jeremiah 17: 5... 8).

When life throws you a knock out punch, ask why this is happening. Is this from God or is it an accident? David the man after God's heart is one who received far more punches from life than anyone in the Bible. The trials did wonders to shape his character. And character is destiny.  

St Paul teaches us the same lesson as St James in our key Scripture.
"We even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance,  and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope,  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Romans 5: 3 - 5).

David left us a winning formula for dealing with hard times. In one word, it is praise and thanksgiving.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com