Daily Readings - Mon Feb 14 2022
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
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.