Argumentative

Greetings on this the Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jas 1:1-11; Ps 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76; Mk 8:11-13

Notes

A person who is argumentative is one who is given to expressing divergent or opposite views says the dictionary. Similar words are: quarrelsome, disputatious and captious among others. Come into contact with a person doing this often enough and you begin to perceive the underlying reasons and motives. There is a huge difference between inquisitiveness, ignorance, genuine participation from being argumentative. People stuck in the mode of being argumentative are stuck in the place of power and projection of power (whether they have power or are seeking power or sense they have desire for power, it is always framed in a power reference).

It must have been very taxing on Jesus.

He sighed from the depth of his spirit.

Summary

In all the doing and teaching of Jesus he naturally stuck to the expansive nature of the relationship between the divine and the human. Beginning with the Commandments he illustrated time and again how to make the most important commandment, love, be a centering imperative of our lives. His application of divine aid, healing, demon expelling and raising the dead were all heightened examples of the divine presence and care.

Why does this generation seek a sign?

Reflection

We, too, seek signs.

And the LORD said to Moses: How long will this people spurn me? How long will they not trust me, despite all the signs I have performed among them? (Num 14:11). Of all the people who have seen my glory and the signs I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and who nevertheless have put me to the test ten times already and have not obeyed me (Num 14:22).

When we doubt the Lord and demand signs in the midst of an abundance of evidence of his divine care for us, we must ask ourselves: why am I desirous of power?

Personal Reflection

Demanding a sign isn’t an evidence based view of the Lord’s power. It is an expression of our power over the divine. I.demand.a.sign. It is one thing, like our psalmist, to praise the Lord for his actions, the evidence of his love. It is quite another to demand a sign, the rabbit hole of lack of faith.

I am not the one who has the power of life and death. I am not the one who will transfer wealth from this world to the next. Anytime I demand a sign, I am not trusting that the things I cannot do, the Lord will do.

First Reading

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

Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

Gospel Acclamation

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

Gospel

The Demand for a Sign.

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry