Maymay sa Magbalantay

“St. James begins today with a line that can surprise us: “Consider it pure joy when you face trials.”

Joy and trials do not usually go together. When problems come, we feel stress, fear, and sometimes even anger. But St. James is not saying that suffering itself is good. He is telling us that God can use our trials to grow our faith.

1. Trials do not break faith — they grow it

Think of how strength is developed. Muscles grow not when they are comfortable, but when they are stretched. Faith is the same. If faith is never tested, it remains shallow. But when faith goes through difficulties and still holds on to God, it becomes strong.

All of us carry burdens—illness, family concerns, financial worries, disappointments, and fears about the future. These trials test our faith, but they do not have to destroy us. When we trust God in the middle of hardship, perseverance grows, and perseverance shapes us into people who are more patient, wiser, and more compassionate.

A faith that has struggled and remained faithful becomes a mature faith.

2. When we are confused, God invites us to ask

St. James gives very practical advice: “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God.”

God is not offended by our questions. He is not tired of hearing our worries. He invites us to come to Him, especially when we do not know what to do.

But St. James adds one condition: we must ask with trust. To doubt here does not mean having questions; it means refusing to trust God. It is praying while still insisting on controlling everything ourselves.

A divided heart—half trusting God, half relying only on ourselves—will always be restless. But when we truly trust God, even without clear answers, we experience peace.

Wisdom is not just intelligence. Wisdom is the grace to choose what is right, even when it is difficult.

3. Our true worth is not in what we have

St. James speaks to both the poor and the rich. The poor are reminded of their dignity. The rich are reminded of humility.

Our world measures success by money, status, and possessions. But St. James reminds us that these things do not last. Wealth fades, achievements pass, and titles come to an end.

What remains is who we are before God. Whether we have much or little, our true value comes from being children of God. And that identity remains, even when everything else is taken away.

Final Words

Brothers and sisters, today’s message is simple:

• Trials can strengthen our faith,
• God generously gives wisdom to those who trust Him,
• and our true worth is found not in possessions, but in God’s love.

Life may not become easier. But when we trust God, life becomes meaningful. And through our trials, God quietly shapes us into mature disciples.”