Daily Readings - Mon Feb 12 2018

First Reading - James 1.1-11

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

Gospel - Mark 8.11-13

Mark

Chapter 8

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

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.