Blessed is he who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proven he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him. No one experiencing temptation should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God is not subject to temptation to evil, and he himself tempts no one. Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire. Then desire conceives and brings forth sin, and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters: all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
REFLECTION
The author of the first reading is not James the Greater, brother of John the Apostle, but James the Less, a relative of Jesus. He was the Bishop of Jerusalem and was a respected leader of the church.
James' epistles are pratical lessens for the early church, and for the church in the future.
Our reading yesterday and today from the epistles of James. are teachings about how to be moral and ethical in our dealings with one another.
Yesterday's first reading (James 1:1-11), focused on perseverance in trials. We must endure these trials because God's Will is to strengthen us in our faith in Him.
Today's first reading (James 1: 12-18), continues to teach us about temptation. He teaches that: temptation is driven by our desires. When we choose to satisfy our desires, then we fall into sin. He even warns us that if we continue to satisfy those desires, we fall into a greater sin, a mortal sin. Mortal sin results in death, or a broken relationship with God.
Jesus knew that we are often tempted, by the flesh, the devil, and the world. He experienced those forms of temptation when he went into the desert for 40 days.
This is why Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Confession. In Confession we can heal our relationship with God. In Confession we receive graces, God's help, to fight our inclination to satisfy our desires leading to sin.
Today is Shrove Tuesday, a day to remember God's mercy in giving us the Sacrament of Confession. Let us examine our consciences today and prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confession. Trust in God's love and mercy and do penance this Lent.
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