Daily Readings - Mon Feb 14 2022
James
1James, servant of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes of the dispersion, greetings2My brothers, when you have fallen into various trials, consider everything a joy3knowing that the proving of your faith exercises patience4and patience brings a work to perfection, so that you may be perfect and whole, deficient in nothing5But if anyone among you is in need of wisdom, let him petition God, who gives abundantly to all without reproach, and it shall be given to him6But he should ask with faith, doubting nothing. For he who doubts is like a wave on the ocean, which is moved about by the wind and carried away7then a man should not consider that he would receive anything from the Lord8For a man who is of two minds is inconstant in all his ways9Now a humble brother should glory in his exaltation10and a rich one, in his humiliation, for he will pass away like the flower of the grass11For the sun has risen with a scorching heat, and has dried the grass, and its flower has fallen off, and the appearance of its beauty has perished. So also will the rich one wither away, according to his paths
Mark
11And the Pharisees went out and began to contend with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, testing him12And sighing deeply in spirit, he said: "Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, if only a sign will be given to this generation!13And sending them away, he climbed into the boat again, and he went away across the sea
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful lessons about faith, patience, and the nature of God's presence in our lives. The first reading from James reminds us that trials and challenges are opportunities to grow in faith and patience. James encourages us to embrace these difficulties with joy, knowing that they lead to spiritual maturity. He also warns against wealth and materialism, reminding us that true richness comes from humility and dependence on God. The Gospel from Mark presents a different kind of challenge: Jesus' refusal to provide a sign to the Pharisees. Frustrated by their demand for proof, Jesus emphasizes that true faith does not rely on external signs but on trust in God's word and presence.
The readings are connected by the theme of faith. James teaches us that faith is not about avoiding struggles but about enduring them with patience and trust in God. Mark's Gospel shows us that faith is not about seeking signs or proofs but about believing in God's promises even when we cannot see them. Together, they remind us that faith is a journey of trust and perseverance, not a search for certainty or validation.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges and uncertainties. Do we approach them with faith and patience, or do we demand signs or guarantees? James encourages us to embrace humility and trust in God's providence, while Mark reminds us that true faith is about surrendering our need for control and trusting in God's plan. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I placing my trust? Am I allowing God to work in my life even when I cannot see the way ahead? May we grow in faith and patience, trusting that God is always with us, even in the midst of uncertainty.