Faith, Pare!

Today’s readings remind us on the importance of faith. In the first reading, James tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God. He also says that we should stay positive when our faith is tested, because it produces perseverance. When we ask for wisdom, we ask for wisdom to see with God’s eyes – to see trials as opportunities to strengthen our faith. We ask wisdom in decision making, to see things with God’s perspective. When we ask, it should be with firm faith, since we are asking for something we know is in synch with God’s plans

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.

In the gospel we see the Pharisees testing Jesus. They were arguing with Jesus. Their hearts are closed to Jesus. Jesus sighed because he knows what is in the hearts of the Pharisees. No amount of sign or miracle is enough for them, since they already have their minds and hearts closed. He already performed miracles, he was living what he was preaching, yet the people still wanted a sign. No sign will be given to them because no sign is enough for them.

What about us? What about our hearts? What about our prayers? Do we ask in full faith, knowing that God will grant us wisdom to understand his plans, as long as it is in synch with His perfect plans? Do we trust in God when we pray, or are we half hearted? When discerning God’s will, do we ask for signs or do we pray in faith to know his will? When asking for signs, are we sensitive to him reaching out to us, or are our hearts fixed on what we want to see or get from him?

May we pray for faith – to understand his will and accept his will which is perfect beyond our human understanding.