In today's first reading, James 1: 1-11, St. James reminds us that God gives "generously and ungrudgingly." Therefore, James says to us, "if you lack wisdom, ...ask [and it] will be given [to you]...[A]sk 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 [person] of two minds, unstable in all his ways."
Am I a unstable person, a person "of two minds," one moment believing and the next moment doubting? Or am I strongly rooted in Christ Jesus, my God and Savior? Knowing who Jesus is, I will stand firm in my faith!
In today's Gospel, Jesus is upset with the Pharisees who begin an argument with Him and want a sign from heaven to test him. "Why," Jesus asks, "does this generation seek a sign?" Imagine the frustration Jesus is experiencing! Why a sign? Perhaps we will understand this passage better by likening it to a family situation. Imagine a family member--spouses and/or children--constantly demanding a sign of love. No matter what the other does or does not do, the demands keep coming! Such demands, such doubts in each other and in God can destroy faith and poison marriage and family relationships! On the other hand, if I am working at deepening my love for God, others and self--if I am doing all that it takes to deepen love for others, God, and self-- then I do not need a sign! And for sure, I do not need to test others by arguing with them about who they are, from whence they have come and whether or not their love and intentions are pure, as did the Pharisees repeatedly challenge Jesus!
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