Daily Readings - Mon Feb 14 2022
James
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.9Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:10But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.11For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Mark
11And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.12And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.13And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
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.