Trust God and He Will Help You

Happy Hump Day!

Yesterday's reading from Sirach essentially summarized the amazing Promise we all have been offered as believers of our Faith!

It is an incredibly inspiring and motivational piece of writing and I challenge you to read it and NOT feel empowered and strong when you are done!!

:) 

"We're back in the Book of Sirach for today's first reading. 

It starts with this: 

"My son, when you come to serve the LORD, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials." 

The rest of the reading is a primer on how to endure those trials.

Trials come to all of us. 

We all get sick, people betray us, our loved ones suffer and die. 

It seems to me that the ones who endure these trials the best are people of great faith. 

They embody the things that we read about today's reading. 

Just a few of the suggestions: 

Wait on God, cling to him, forsake him not, be steadfast, be patient, trust God, hope for good things, love him.

Oh, trials will come,  my friend. 

Before they do, let us prepare properly, by following the wise counsel of Sirach. 

Then we will be able to endure them with peace and joy.

Father, help us to draw ever closer to you, that when our time of trial comes, we will be able to endure it with the grace that you provide. Amen."

From "60 Second Reflections by Gus Lloyd

Stay Strong!

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 342

Reading 1SIR 2:1-11

"My son, when you come to serve the LORD,
stand in justice and fear,
prepare yourself for trials.

Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
incline your ear and receive the word of understanding,
undisturbed in time of adversity.

Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;
thus will you be wise in all your ways.

Accept whatever befalls you,
when sorrowful, be steadfast,
and in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold and silver are tested,and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.

Trust God and God will help you;
trust in him, and he will direct your way;
keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,
turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the LORD, trust him,
and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.
You who fear the LORD, love him,
and your hearts will be enlightened.

Study the generations long past and understand;
has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?

Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken? 

Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?

Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;
he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble
and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth."