Mark 8:11-13

James 1:1-11

Psalm 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76

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.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, you are most holy. You have established a path that leads to your holiness. Why do I struggle to walk along this path? Why do I sometimes choose to follow a different path? Guide me always and lead me back to you.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Opposition of the Pharisees to Jesus: From the beginning of the Gospel of Mark, the Pharisees have opposed Jesus and plotted against him. Today they are arguing with him. This was probably occasioned by Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-13), his declaration that all foods are clean (Mark 7:14-23), and his ministry to the Gentiles (Mark 7:24-8:10). The Pharisees ask Jesus for a heavenly sign as a test. This is ironic because Jesus has been performing signs and miracles from the beginning of his public ministry. How many exorcisms, healings, manifestations of divine power, and miracles are necessary?

2. The Rebellion of the Pharisees: The unwillingness of the Pharisees to believe recalls Israel’s rebellion in the desert and how the people tested God and refused to believe. In many ways, the Pharisees reveal that they have strayed far from the path of true holiness. They are clinging to their human traditions, placing their confidence in their own self-righteousness rather than in God, and oblivious to their sinful ways and their need for divine mercy.

3. James’ Exhortation to True Holiness: The Letter of James, which we begin to read today, was likely not written by either of the two Apostles named James (James the Greater, the son of Zebedee, and James the Lesser, the son of Alphaeus), but rather by James, the son of Clopas, who was called “the Lord’s brother” and acted as the bishop of the Church in Jerusalem after Peter left the city (Acts 12:17). If, however, Clopas is another name for Alphaeus, then the author may be James the Lesser. In the opening lines of his letter, James understands himself as a servant or slave (doulos) of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Calling himself a servant of God means that he fully belongs to God and obeys him. James addresses his letter to Jewish Christians who are scattered or dispersed throughout the lands outside of Israel due to persecution. He invites his readers to rejoice when they encounter trial and know that their faith is being tested. If they persevere in their faith through trial, they will be brought to perfection and true holiness. Through this time of testing, we are called to ask God for wisdom in faith, be confident that God will be generous with his gifts, and trust that the humble of heart will be exalted to heavenly glory.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you worked tirelessly to correct the Pharisees. They were so stubborn, set in their ways, and refused to embrace your words or follow your example of mercy. Do not let me be like the Pharisees. Call me out when I act like a Pharisee.

Resolution: There is a stark contrast between the Pharisees who test Jesus by asking for a heavenly sign and James who encourages his readers to ask for good things from God in confidence. When I pray, do I continually seek signs from God like the unbelieving Pharisees? Or do I confidently ask my Father in heaven for the good things I need to attain eternal life?