Patience in Suffering
Reflecting on the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost: Two Days after Sunday (Year B)
Scripture
Semi-continuous: Psalm 21; 2 Samuel 5:11-16; James 5:7-12
Complementary: Psalm 119:81-88; Jeremiah 16:1-13; James 5:7-12
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Prayer
Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)
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Reflection
Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Brothers and sisters, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed, we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about, for the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Above all, brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation (James 5:7-12).
Suffering in its myriad forms is a universal human experience. It can arise from physical pain, emotional distress, loss, or even existential crises. While the nature and intensity of suffering vary widely, its presence is an undeniable part of the human condition. However, intertwined with the experience of suffering is the virtue of patience, which can profoundly shape how one navigates through such challenges.
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