Daily Readings - Mon Feb 12 2018
James
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:Greetings.2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.5If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.7For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.9Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Mark
11The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.12And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."13And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, doubt, and the challenges of living a life rooted in trust in God. In the first reading from James, we are reminded that trials and difficulties are an inevitable part of life, but they are not without purpose. James encourages us to embrace these challenges with joy because they test our faith and lead to patience, which, when perfected, makes us whole and complete. He also emphasizes the importance of prayer, urging us to ask God for wisdom without doubting, for doubt leads to instability and unfruitfulness. James contrasts the humble and the rich, warning that wealth and status are fleeting, while true glory comes from humility and trust in God.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a scene where the Pharisees demand a sign from heaven to test Jesus. Jesus, deeply troubled by their lack of faith, responds by saying that no sign will be given to this generation. This exchange highlights the Pharisees' stubborn refusal to accept Jesus despite the many miracles he had already performed. Their demand for a sign reveals a deeper spiritual blindness and a failure to trust in God's presence and work in their midst.
These readings are connected by the theme of faith and doubt. James calls us to trust in God's providence, even in the midst of trials, while Mark's Gospel warns against the kind of hardness of heart that refuses to see God's work even when it is plainly evident. In our daily lives, we often face moments of doubt and uncertainty, just like the Pharisees. We may question God's presence or doubt his plan for us. But today's readings remind us that true faith is not about demanding signs or proofs; it is about trusting in God's wisdom and providence, even when the road ahead is unclear.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Do we approach life's challenges with patience and trust, or do we allow doubt and fear to take root? Are we humble and open to God's will, or do we insist on our own way? Let us strive to live with the kind of faith James describes—a faith that is unwavering, prayerful, and rooted in the conviction that God is always at work in our lives, even in the midst of trials. May we also avoid the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees by opening our hearts to the signs of God's love and presence that surround us every day.