Daily Readings - Mon Feb 12 2018
James
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Mark
11The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven.12He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it."13Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed 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.