Feast of Saint James, Apostle – 2 Cor 4:7-15; Matthew 20:20-28

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Ps 116

It affects every person because it is the result of original sin, yet it is a mystery. We suffer the consequences of our own evil, but sometimes it is caused to us by the evil of other people, and sometimes it is difficult to find its cause. And although we know that it can purify us, sensitise us, and bring us closer to Christ, we still rebel when we experience it. Maybe we ask God – why does it come upon us? This rebellion comes from the lack of consent to let things happen in our lives the way God wants, as well as from the lack of trust that suffering has some meaning, perhaps often incomprehensible to us.

Reliquary of Saint James in the sanctuary of St. James in Szczyrk

Lord Jesus, You say to Your disciples: “you shall drink my cup.” My path also leads up the mountain with Your cross on it. I am ask You that I be closer to You in times of suffering, so that Your presence will give me strength. Amen.