MONDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2024
MONDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
James 1:1-11
Mark 8:11-13
AUTHENTIC FAITH AS AGAINST FALSE OR SUPERFICIAL FAITH
The Pharisees demanded sign from Jesus. They sought to test him, he must perform a feat to show really that he was the messiah. Jesus refuses and instead cautions them. But were these pharisees real? Their quest for signs to authenticate Jesus’ messianic role was overly demanding and shows already sign of lack of faith in Jesus.
Genuine and authentic faith in Jesus would have judged Jesus from the content of his teaching and already marvels worked in their midst. Belief in Jesus does not demand empirical verification more than faith and trust even we’ve in his teachings and lifestyle.
Our followership of Jesus becomes superficial in the event that we pursue him for the sake of miracles worked or the marvels seen or any other extraordinary actions he performs for people. It shows lack of faith in Jesus to expect these things.
We must seek the company of Jesus with faith not based on miracles and signs. Many Christians who seek Jesus based on miracles show signs of faithlessness.
We must avoid the tendencies of travelling miles and distances, running to miracle centres, adoration grounds and prayer grounds to get answers and solutions to our problems. We must recognize the presence of Jesus in our lives, in all places of worship, during our liturgical celebrations, in all chapels, churches and prayer grounds especially where the sacrifice of the Eucharist is reserved and celebrated.
Our faith must acknowledge and lead us to know that our difficulties and problems can be resolved when we come to him. We do not need signs before we believe in his powers.
In the first reading, Saint James admonishes us to keep faith alive always and never loose heart.
Heavenly Father, grant to us deep and strong faith in Jesus our Lord. May we never doubt his power to save, deliver and sustain us. Bless us with his presence this week to guide our lives and rule over us. May we see and acknowledge him presence in the daily events of our lives through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
