It is 17th February 2020. We celebrate the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite. The readings are from James 1:1-11 and the Gospel from Mark 8:11-13. Life without trials and tribulations is a life without spiritual substance. It is our struggles to be perfect and persevere in doing good makes us a pleasing sacrifice to God. When we are tested by God, it is for our own good not merely for the glory of God. In every trial we face, God is with us and we must never hesitate to ask God for help to face it all. Doubting God is already a sign of giving up in trials. However cruel, unfair and illogical life might look, God remains loving, protecting and providing us with the best for our survival and sustenance. The first reading teaches us that when God permits trials, God is abundantly showering us with patience and perseverance. Our spiritual maturity comes by withstanding all the trials that allow us to go through. Unless we are refined, we cannot be purified by love. It is the suffering and pain we are willing to go through without complaining and arguing that purifies our souls and make us worthy of partakes of the good. “Whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:1). Wisdom is offered for the those who have roots of love living near the waters of salvation. Trials we go through spiritually makes mature, complete, and rewarding. Without going through the trials, no one can be a good and fruitful Christian. We are blessed abundantly by the testing that is coming from God. Spiritual insight and light for the soul comes by the trials and testing we go through spiritually. The responsorial Psalm prays, “Let your love come to me and I shall live.” (Ps.118:77). The Gospel explains that Jesus is not merely a sign but He is the signature of God’s love on the surface suffering humanity. Leaving the person of Jesus, and looking for sign is the reality even today. “No sign shall be given to this generation.” (Mk.8:12). Let us not go after miracles and signs rather let us embark on a spiritual journey that is destined to meet Jesus. May the Lord bless us to accept the situations in which God wants to reveals himself in Jesus. May you have a good day. May God bless you.