Jesus Is The Final Sign
Introduction
For two weeks, our first reading is taken from the letter of James, a relative of Jesus and leader of the Judaeo-Christian community of Jerusalem. He draws heavily from the Jewish wisdom literature and the teachings of the Gospel. His key messages are concern for the poor and faith that is productive in good works.
In the Gospel, the Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign that his authority came from heaven. But we too look often for signs and reassurances, thus, forcing our priests into many aberrations in the name of adoration, revival, healing (bubuyaya) etc. Are the words of Jesus not assurance enough? Does not faith consist in trusting him? Our sign is the life and the message of Jesus.
1 Reading: James 1:1-11
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.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 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.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes. R.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes. R.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces. R.
I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,
and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me. R.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants. R.
Alleluia John 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.
Gospel 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.
Commentary
Early in his epistle, James introduces one of his central themes: it is the humble of this world who will ultimately be exalted, and it is the proud who, in their riches, will wither away. This is one of Christ’s central teachings.
When the final reckoning is made, riches will dry up like flowers, and vegetation will perish under the blazing heat of the sun. It is unfortunate that so many of us are bewitched by temporalities. Yet there is great freedom in a life that is unfettered and not held hostage by material encumbrances. Of course, we all have responsibilities and people we must provide for. But our consumer culture continually tries to convince us that we need more, more, more. It is a danger that James does not hesitate to bring to light.
Jesus says in the Gospel that no further sign is necessary. He is the sign, the final word of God. We need only heed his voice.
Blessing
The sign given us by Jesus is Jesus himself, God is showing himself in Jesus, in his inspiring word of life, in the tenderness of his healing, in his acceptance of all people, including outcasts and the poor. May God open your eyes and bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!