17 February 2020
Optional Memorial of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, religious
The epistle of James tells us to “consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2). The word for “trial” being used here is πειρασμός in Greek and tentatio, in Latin. This weighty and divinely inspired epistle brings to mind grave trials which involve weighty matters, like sin, apostasy and martyrdom. Can’t it be said, though, that there is an included sub-class of trials that are merely hassles? Therefore, can we not consider it all joy when we encounter various hassles, too? Like a billing error at the dentist or a computer virus or an aberrant motorist? Can we consider these mere hassles to be joyous?
Certainly, we can, because these things are all part of God’s good plan for us. Hassles are like ripples hitting the side of our boat. Those who possess greatness of soul have boats that are too big to take any notice of the ripples. Theirs is the joy of freedom. On the other hand, those who are petty-minded have little boats, so small that mere ripples are enough to disturb them. The disturbance itself can be a reminder to them, if they have faith, that God still has work to do in their lives, that God is preparing them for greatness, and that they must persevere in their discipleship. Thus, the epistle adds, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:3). Let us be joyful, no matter who or what should hassle us.