Both of today’s readings reflect on the mystery of faith. In today’s Gospel the Pharisees seek “a sign from heaven to test him [Jesus].” He refuses to give them a sign since he has already given many signs by his teaching and healing with authority. In today’s first reading James reflects on the “various trials…the testing of your faith.” This testing of faith “produces perseverance.” James exhorts the community to stay strong in their faith and in their endurance so that they may be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
If we lack wisdom we should pray to God “who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.” A key and important point that James will make later in his letter is that God does not tempt us or put us to the test: “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.” (James 1:13). God does not send us suffering to test our faith. Suffering is part of the human condition, but God does not directly cause suffering. Temptation, James suggests, comes from within: “Rather, each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire conceives and brings forth sin, and when sin reaches maturity, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15). God gives only good gifts to us: “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.” (James 1:17).
Like the community addressed by James our faith can be tested and challenged by trials and suffering in our own life. We may even ask God for a sign and help and seemingly receive no response. James makes two key points: 1) God is always with us even when we question or do not feel his presence, 2) God does not send us suffering and pain to test us. A good and loving God can only give us good gifts. While James does not answer why bad things happen to good people, he does ask us to continue to trust in God even when we cry out in prayer: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Psalm 22).
Image: “Jesus Christ teaching on mountain” by Sealino is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.