Remember

Homily for Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s readings, James reminds us that “Blessed is the one who perseveres in temptation.” Temptation, he says, never comes from God. God is the giver of “every perfect gift,” the One who brings life, not confusion or sin. Temptation arises when our desires drift away from Him—when we start trusting in ourselves more than in His goodness.

And that theme flows right into the Gospel. The disciples are worried because they forgot to bring bread. They panic over the practical problem right in front of them. But Jesus challenges them: “Do you still not understand?” They had witnessed the multiplication of loaves—twice. They had seen God’s abundance with their own eyes, yet they still feared scarcity.

Both readings point to the same spiritual truth: Temptation often begins when we forget who God is. When we forget His generosity, we grasp at lesser things. When we forget His power, we cling to our own plans. When we forget His love, we settle for whatever promises quick comfort.

James calls us back to the truth: God is the Father of lights, steady and unchanging. Jesus calls the disciples back to memory: remember what God has already done for you.

So perhaps the invitation today is simple: Remember. Remember the moments when God has multiplied what you thought was too little. Remember the times He has carried you through what you thought you couldn’t endure. Remember the gifts He has already placed in your life. Let that memory strengthen you when temptation whispers that God is not enough.

May this Eucharist open our eyes again to the abundance of Christ—bread for the journey, grace for the struggle, and a love that never fails.