Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary
Time
Lectionary: 335
Lectionary: 335
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings.
Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters,
when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect,
so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
But if any of you lacks wisdom,
he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly,
and he will be given it.
But he should ask in faith, not doubting,
for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea
that is driven and tossed about by the wind.
For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,
since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways.
The brother in lowly circumstances
should take pride in high standing,
and the rich one in his lowliness,
for he will pass away "like the flower of the field."
For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass,
its flower droops, and the beauty of its appearance vanishes.
So will the rich person fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings.
Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters,
when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect,
so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
But if any of you lacks wisdom,
he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly,
and he will be given it.
But he should ask in faith, not doubting,
for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea
that is driven and tossed about by the wind.
For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,
since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways.
The brother in lowly circumstances
should take pride in high standing,
and the rich one in his lowliness,
for he will pass away "like the flower of the field."
For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass,
its flower droops, and the beauty of its appearance vanishes.
So will the rich person fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 119:67, 68, 71, 72,
75, 76
R. (77a) Be kind
to me, Lord, and I shall live.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I hold to your promise.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,
and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I hold to your promise.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,
and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
AlleluiaJN 14:6
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMK 8:11-13
The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
"Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."
Then he left them, got into the boat again,
and went off to the other shore.
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
"Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."
Then he left them, got into the boat again,
and went off to the other shore.
Meditation: "No sign shall be
given to this generation"
Are you good at reading signs? Signs tell us what is
coming ahead. The people of Jesus' time expected that the coming of the Messiah
would be accompanied by extraordinary signs and wonders. The religious leaders
tested Jesus to see if he had a genuine sign from heaven to back his claim to
be the Messiah. False messiahs in the past had made extraordinary claims to
attract their followers, such as claiming that they could cleave the Jordan
River in two or cause the walls of Jerusalem to fall.
What makes us blind-sighted to God's presence and
power in our lives?
Jesus knew the hearts of those who came to test him. They were more interested in seeking signs to prove that they were right and Jesus was wrong. Jesus revealed the true intention of their heart - they came to argue with him and to test him (Mark 8:11) because they did not believe that he spoke in the name of his Father in heaven. They wanted to discredit his claim to be the true Messiah and Savior. They unfortunately were blind-sighted to the truth of Jesus' message that the Father had sent him, the only begotten Son, to set them free from sin, Satan, and death. No miracle of Jesus would convince them because their hearts were full of self-seeking pride and glory for themselves.
Jesus knew the hearts of those who came to test him. They were more interested in seeking signs to prove that they were right and Jesus was wrong. Jesus revealed the true intention of their heart - they came to argue with him and to test him (Mark 8:11) because they did not believe that he spoke in the name of his Father in heaven. They wanted to discredit his claim to be the true Messiah and Savior. They unfortunately were blind-sighted to the truth of Jesus' message that the Father had sent him, the only begotten Son, to set them free from sin, Satan, and death. No miracle of Jesus would convince them because their hearts were full of self-seeking pride and glory for themselves.
Simeon had prophesied at Jesus' birth that he
was "destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to
be a sign that will be opposed so that inner thoughts of many will be
revealed" (Luke 2:34-35). Jesus gave the Pharisees no sign except
himself and the ultimate proof of his divinity when he overcame death and rose
victorious from the tomb on the third day.We also need no further proof than
the witness of Jesus who fulfilled what Moses and the prophets had foretold
would take place when the Messiah came to redeem his people.
Jesus is the only begotten Son of God who came from
the Father in heaven to set us free from the power of sin, Satan, and death.
His death on the cross atones for all of our sins and opens for us the
floodgates of God's merciful love and healing forgiveness. He alone can set us
free from guilt, condemnation, pride, and fear. He alone can give us abundant
life, peace, and joy through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus gives us "listening ears" and
"eyes of faith" to recognize his presence in our lives
The Lord reveals himself and makes his presence known to us in many ways - in his "word" (the good news he came to give us) and in the "breaking of the bread" in the Eucharist (he is the Bread of Life), in his church - the Body of Christ, and in his creation (he is the Word who created all things). And even in the daily circumstances of our lives the Lord Jesus continues to speak to us and guide us. If we seek the Lord Jesus, we will surely find him. And we can be confident that he will give us whatever we need to carry out his will for our lives. Most of all the Lord Jesus assures us of his daily presence with us and the promise that he will never leave us. Theresa of Avila's prayer book contained a bookmark which she wrote: Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; All things pass: God never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices. Is God enough for you?
The Lord reveals himself and makes his presence known to us in many ways - in his "word" (the good news he came to give us) and in the "breaking of the bread" in the Eucharist (he is the Bread of Life), in his church - the Body of Christ, and in his creation (he is the Word who created all things). And even in the daily circumstances of our lives the Lord Jesus continues to speak to us and guide us. If we seek the Lord Jesus, we will surely find him. And we can be confident that he will give us whatever we need to carry out his will for our lives. Most of all the Lord Jesus assures us of his daily presence with us and the promise that he will never leave us. Theresa of Avila's prayer book contained a bookmark which she wrote: Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; All things pass: God never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices. Is God enough for you?
"Lord Jesus, may I always recognize your saving
presence in my life and never forget your promises when I encounter trials and
difficulties. Give me a faith that never wavers, a hope that never fades, and a
love that never grows cold."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Why does this generation seek a sign, by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)
"But for what sign from heaven were they asking?
Maybe that he should hold back the sun, or curb the moon, or bring down
thunderbolts, or change the direction of the wind, or something like that?...
In Pharaoh's time there was an enemy from whom deliverance was needed (Exodus
3-15). But for one who comes among friends, there should be no need of such
signs." (excerpt from GOSPEL OF ST.
MATTHEW, HOMILY 53.3)
MONDAY,
FEBRUARY 12, MARK 8:11-14
Weekday
(James 1:1-11; Psalm 119)
Weekday
(James 1:1-11; Psalm 119)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation" (v 12).
TO KNOW: After miraculously feeding 4,000 people in the Gentile territory, Jesus went to Dalmanutha (Mk 8:10, place unknown). Some Pharisees demanded Jesus to display some mighty work of God as a sign that God's reign had arrived. They refused to accept the miracles that Jesus had accomplished, missing the significance of these works as a manifestation of God's presence. Similarly, during the Exodus, when Israel was in the wilderness, God told Moses that the people refused to believe or heed his voice "despite all the signs" that were performed in their midst (Nm 14:11, 22). Jesus left this faithless place, without satisfying their desire for any “sign from heaven.” Because of their blind lack of faith, they did not recognize Jesus as the “heavenly sign.”
TO LOVE: Do I identify with Jesus in his frustration with unbelieving people in my own day?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, open my eyes your healing presence in my life.
Monday 12 February 2018
St Meletius.
James 1:1-11. Psalm 118(119):67-68, 71-72, 75-76. Mark 8:11-13.
Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live—Psalm 118(119):67-68,
71-72, 75-76.
‘Why does this generation seek a sign?’
Today we are amply provided with signage for a full and vigorous
Christian existence. We have the sacred scripture and in particular the stories
of Jesus’s life. We have a visible church, guided and guarded by the Holy
Spirit. Our rites of passage are blessed by a sacramental system. Our Eucharist
is offered daily to nourish and sustain our growth. We are held within families
and communities who live by a code of forgiveness and love.
In my parish life, signs that give me life are the reverence of
people as they pray; the knowing smile of a wise old faith-filled person; the
priest stopping to tousle the head of an inquisitive child; little children
running up the aisle after their liturgy; and the pride that the people take,
through their various duties, in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Cardinal Martini made this joyful prayer from the Gospel of
John: ‘I seek, O Lord, a truth which springs like water, is simple as bread, as
clear as light and as powerful as life.’
Saint Apollonia
Saint of the Day for February 12
(d. c. 249)
Saint Apollonia’s Story
The persecution of Christians began in Alexandria during the
reign of the Emperor Philip. The first victim of the pagan mob was an old man
named Metrius, who was tortured and then stoned to death. The second person who
refused to worship their false idols was a Christian woman named Quinta. Her
words infuriated the mob and she was scourged and stoned.
While most of the Christians were fleeing the city, abandoning
all their worldly possessions, an old deaconess, Apollonia, was seized. The
crowds beat her, knocking out all of her teeth. Then they lit a large fire and
threatened to throw her in it if she did not curse her God. She begged them to
wait a moment, acting as if she was considering their requests. Instead, she
jumped willingly into the flames and so suffered martyrdom.
There were many churches and altars dedicated to her. Apollonia
is the patroness of dentists, and people suffering from toothache and other
dental diseases often ask her intercession. She is pictured with a pair of
pincers holding a tooth or with a golden tooth suspended from her necklace.
Saint Augustine explained her voluntary martyrdom as a special inspiration
of the Holy Spirit, since no one is allowed to cause his or her own death.
Reflection
The Church has quite a sense of humor! Apollonia is honored as
the patron saint of dentists, but this woman who had her teeth extracted
without anesthetic surely ought to be the patron of those who dread the chair.
She might also be the patron of the aging, for she attained glory in her old
age, standing firm before her persecutors even as her fellow Christians fled
the city. However we choose to honor her, she remains a model of courage for
us.
Saint Apollonia is the Patron Saint of:
Dentists
Toothache
Toothache
LECTIO DIVINA: MARK 8,11-13
Lectio Divina:
Monday, February 12, 2018
1) OPENING PRAYER
Lord
God,
forgive
us that in our weak faith
we
ask sometimes for signs and wonders.
We
know that You are our Father,
but
it is not always easy for us
to
recognize Your loving presence.
Give
us eyes of faith to see the sign
that
You are with us in Jesus and His message.
We
say so reluctantly, for it is painful.
Purify
our trust in You and in Jesus
that
we may become more mature Christians,
who
love You through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2) GOSPEL READING - MARK
8:11-13
The
Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign
from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
"Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be
given to this generation." Then he left them, got into the boat again, and
went off to the other shore.
3) REFLECTION
Mark
8: 11-13: The Pharisees ask for a sign from Heaven. Today’s Gospel narrates a
discussion of the Pharisees with Jesus. Jesus also, as it happened with Moses
in the Old Testament, had fed hungry people in the desert, by multiplying the
bread (Mk 8: 1-10). This is a sign that He presented himself before the people
as a new Moses. But the Pharisees were not capable of perceiving the meaning of
the multiplication of the loaves. They continued to discuss with Jesus
and ask for a sign from Heaven . They had understood nothing of all that Jesus
had done. Jesus sighed profoundly, probably feeling disgust and sadness before
so much blindness. He concludes by saying, “No sign will be given to this
generation.” He left them and went toward the other side of the lake. It is
useless to show a beautiful picture to one who does not want to open his eyes.
People who close their eyes cannot see!
The
danger of dominating ideology. Here we can clearly perceive how the yeast of
Herod and the Pharisees (Mk 8: 15), the dominating ideology of the time, made
people lose their capacity to analyze events objectively. This yeast came from
afar and had sunk profound roots in the life of the people. It went so far as
to contaminate the disciples’ mentality and manifested itself in many ways.
With the formation which Jesus gave them, He tried to uproot this yeast.
The
following are some examples of this fraternal help which Jesus gave to His disciples:
a)
The mentality of a closed group. On a certain day a person not belonging to the
community used the name of Jesus to drive out devils. John saw this and forbade
it: “We tried to stop him because he was not one of ours” (Mk 9: 38). John
thought he had the monopoly on Jesus and wanted to prevent others from using
the name of Jesus to do good. John wanted a community closed in upon itself. It
was the yeast of the Elected People, the separated People! Jesus responds, “Do
not stop him! Anyone who is not against us is for us!” (Mk 9: 39-40).
b)
The mentality of a group which considers itself superior to others. At times,
the Samaritans did not want to offer hospitality to Jesus. The reaction of some
of the disciples was immediate: “May fire descend from heaven and burn them
up!” (Lk 9:54). They thought that because they were with Jesus, everyone had to
welcome Him, to accept Him. They thought they had God on their side to defend
Him. It was the yeast of the Chosen People, the Privileged People! Jesus reproaches
them: “Jesus turned and rebuked them” (Lk 9: 55).
c)
The mentality of competition and prestige. The disciples discussed among
themselves about the first place (Mk 9: 33-34). It was the yeast of class and
of competitiveness, which characterized the official religion and the society
of the Roman Empire. It was already getting into the small community around
Jesus. Jesus reacts and orders them to have a contrary mentality: “If anyone
wants to be first, he must make himself last” (Mk 9: 35).
d)
The mentality of those who marginalize the little ones. The disciples scolded
little children. It was the yeast of the mentality of that time, according to
which children did not count and should be disciplined by adults. Jesus rebukes
the disciples: “Let the little children come to me!”(Mk 10:14). The children
become the teachers of the adults: Anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of
God like a little child will never enter it . (Lk 18:17).
As
it happened in the time of Jesus, today also the dominating ideology
arises once again and appears even in the life of the community and of the
family. The prayerful reading of the Gospel, done in community, can help to
change our view of things and to deepen in us conversion and the fidelity which
Jesus asks from us.
4) FOR PERSONAL CONFRONTATION
Faced
with the alternative either to have faith in Jesus or to ask for a sign from
heaven, the Pharisees want a sign from heaven. They were not able to believe in
Jesus. The same thing happens to me. What have I chosen?
The
yeast of the Pharisees prevented the disciples from perceiving the presence of
the Kingdom in Jesus. Has some residue of this yeast of the Pharisees remained
in me?
5) CONCLUDING PRAYER
Lord,
You are generous and act generously;
teach
me Your will. (Ps 119:68)
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