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DAILY READINGS & REFLECTION

Monday of the Sixth week in Ordinary Time (February 17)

"No sign shall be given to this generation"

GOSPEL

Mark 8:11-13

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation." 13 And he left them, and getting into the boat again he departed to the other side.

The Gospel of the Lord
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REFLECTION

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Why does this generation seek a sign, by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)

"But for what sign from heaven were they asking? Maybe that he should hold back the sun, or curb the moon, or bring down thunderbolts, or change the direction of the wind, or something like that?... In Pharaoh's time there was an enemy from whom deliverance was needed (Exodus 3-15). But for one who comes among friends, there should be no need of such signs."

(excerpt from GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 53.3)
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FIRST READING

James 1:1-11

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greeting. 2 Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, 8 unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord. 9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

PSALM 118(119):67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76

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

Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I hold to your promise.