Trust in God at all times (HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 7TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Homily for Tuesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time 

Sirach 2:1-11; Mark 9:30-37

 Trust in God at all times

The first reading and the Responsorial Psalm underscores the need for complete trust in God. "Commit your life to the Lord, and he will act" (Responsorial Psalm). No matter the tribulations we are passing through, we should never be afraid because the Lord never fails.

The first reading tells us: "My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, remain in justice and in fear, and prepare yourself for temptation" (Sir.2:1). In serving the Lord faithfully, the devil will wage serious war against us so that we turn away from the Lord. We are enjoined to remain steadfast to God, whatever the circumstances. We must cling to God and never leave Him so that we will be honoured for our perseverance.

To remain steadfast to God requires the virtue of humility. Hence, Jesus, in today's Gospel, said to his disciples, "If anyone would be first, he must be least of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:36).

While Jesus was talking about his death and his resurrection, his disciples were caught up in their struggle for personal success and for that reason, they could not answer the question of Jesus with regards what they were discussing on the way.

It is always painful and requires much sacrifice to compare our motives with Christ's. Though it is not wrong to be industrious or ambitious like Christ's disciples in today's Gospel, when ambition pushes obedience, sacrifice, and service away, it becomes sin. Pride and insecurity can cause us to overvalue position and prestige. Let us imitate Christ's humility.

May God grant the grace to remain steadfast to Him in the midst of trials and tribulations through Christ our Lord. Amen.