ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
June 30, 2021
Scripture: James 1:2
My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy.
Thought for the Day: I read these words and immediately thought about the building collapse in Florida. It is horrifying and heartbreaking, but once again, all the major networks are asking absolutely ridiculous questions when they interview residents who survived or folks who lived close by. With that in mind, I want to ask James a question in regard to what sounds like a ridiculous comment. Right at the beginning of James, we read how we are to think of tests, trials and tribulations as opportunities for joy. How exactly are we to move from tragedy to joy? Actually, it doesn’t even sound like a process. It sounds more like an assumption or expectation, or maybe even a point of view we are to have. I think this is where people of faith must make the distinction between happiness and joy. Joy never dismisses the pain, yet it is the capacity to continue to see the good God is doing in the moments of great suffering. I remember a colleague of mine whose spouse died just three weeks before a new grandchild was born. My colleague, who had just retired after many years in ministry, was able to hold together both the grieve brought about by her death and celebrate the gift of new life. In fact, it is in those moments of great pain when an experience of joy can give us reason to continue the process. Maybe it is the work of grief or maybe the hard work with a counselor to move to the other side of anger. Whatever the case, joy does not erase the affliction, but gives us inspiration to continue to move forward.
Prayer: I know you are with me, God of Grace, even in my darkest moments. May the faithful conviction of your presence be for me a source of joy, a hope-filled encouragement as I struggle with the trials and tribulations that come with life. Amen.
