James 1:1-11 / Mark 8:11-13
It is a human tendency to challenge others in order to test them.
Beneath this tendency is also the urge to see others fail and humiliated.
On the other hand, it is also a human tendency to want to prove one’s capabilities and abilities to others so as to win their admiration and praise.
But a lion does not need to roar to prove that it is a lion.
And a cheetah does not need to race against other animals to prove that it is the fastest.
Neither do we need to say or do anything to prove our capabilities and abilities.
By just being who we are, others will know what we are capable of.
In the gospel, the Pharisees demanded a sign from Jesus so as to test Him.
But He walked away without giving in to their demands, because Jesus knows that no matter what sign is given, His adversaries will still find fault with Him.
The 1st reading tells us that if we need wisdom, we must ask God for it, and ask with faith that He will give it to us.
Yes, we need God’s wisdom to know who we are and what His will is for us.
We only need to prove to ourselves that we have faith and wisdom when we do God’s will.
Other than that, there is nothing else to prove.