James 1:12-18; Psalm 94; Mark 8:14-21
Test and Temptation
In the first reading James distinguished test from temptation. He says that temptation does not come from God; rather a person is tempted when he is drawn away and trapped by his own evil desire. This desire conceives and gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. On the other hand, God tests his people. Happy is the man who remains faithful under such trials, because when he succeeds, he will be rewarded. Therefore, tests are situations used by God to grow our faith; while temptation is the way the Devil tries to trip us and destroy us. Precisely because of this, Jesus warned the disciples to guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod. We too must be on watch against hypocritical and dubious leaders; we must guard against their yeasts; spices, temptations and sweet tongues.
LET US PRAY
Father, have mercy and save us. By the power of the Holy Spirit help us to resist the temptations that come our way. Give us grace to do your will and enter into your promises. May we not be lured into hands of wicked and dubious men. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
