James 1:1-11 / Mark 8:11-13
There is a one-word question that can make us stop in our tracks and start to think of an answer for it.
That one-word question is - "Why?" And that one word question can be expressed in so many ways in order to express the sentiments behind it.
It can be expressed angrily, or defensively, or apologetically, or with curiosity.
The 1st reading tells us that if we need wisdom, we must ask God, who gives to all freely and ungrudgingly.
But we must ask with faith, and with no trace of doubt. But from our own experience of prayer, and especially when praying for a desperate need, we don't get answers as quickly or in the way we hope.
And we will turn to God and we will ask "Why?". It can be an angry "Why?" or a desperate "Why?".
But we will get our answers along the way, when life unfolds into the future, and we see that things happen for a reason. Yet, we will always have the "Why?" question.
In the gospel, it was not the people who were asking the question. Rather it was Jesus as He asked: Why does this generation demand for a sign?
God allows us to question Him and even to vent our anger and frustration on Him. And He will show us the answers as we move on in life.
But if God were to question us, especially if He were to ask us why are we always demanding for signs, will we be able to give Him an answer?
Maybe we should ask ourselves why are we questioning God? If it is faith and wisdom that we lack, then let us pray for it, and God will grant it to us freely and ungrudgingly.