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.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading Introduction

For two weeks our first reading in Year II 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.

First Reading: Jas 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./ 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.

Gospel Introduction

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. 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.

Gospel Reading: Mk 8:11-13

The Pharisees came and started to argue with Jesus. Hoping to embarrass him, they asked for some heavenly sign. Then his spirit was moved. He gave a deep sigh and said, “Why do the people of this present time ask for a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this people.” Then he left them, got into the boat again and went to the other side of the lake.