Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 16 February ‘26
Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Monday
Jas 1:1-11. Mk 8:11-13
Why Do You Seek a Sign?
A sign is a visible reality that points beyond itself. It is a mark, a symbol, something seen that directs us toward something unseen. A national flag, for example, is only coloured cloth. Yet to one who understands, it represents a people, a history, a homeland. Without recognition, the sign is powerless. Without faith, the sign remains only an object.
In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees come to Jesus and demand a sign from heaven. They argue with him. They test him. They ask for proof. Yet they fail to see that Jesus himself is the sign. His words, his deeds, his compassion, his authority — all point to who he is. The blind see, the hungry are fed, the poor hear good news. What more sign is needed?
The tragedy is this: one who seeks signs often does not believe. And to the one who believes, no sign is required. Faith does not begin with spectacle; it begins with trust. If Jesus had given them another dramatic sign, they would not have believed. They would have mocked, doubted, or demanded more. The heart that refuses to trust will never be satisfied.
Jesus sighs deeply and refuses. His refusal teaches us something important. Not every demand deserves a response. Not every challenge must be accepted. Sometimes the victory over temptation is simply to say, “No.” Only a person who is inwardly free can refuse to prove himself. Jesus is not a magician seeking applause. He is the Son who invites faith.
The first reading from the Letter of James strengthens this message. James, often called the wisdom teacher of the New Testament, speaks about trials, perseverance, faith, prayer, and the fleeting nature of wealth. He warns against the “double-minded” person — unstable, divided within. A divided heart cannot receive from the Lord. As a proverb says: one who chases two rabbits catches none.
Those who demand a sign are often divided within. Part of them wants to believe; part of them resists surrender. They want certainty without commitment, evidence without trust.
Today the Word of God invites us to unity of heart. In our goals, in our work, in our prayer, in our faith — let there be one purpose. Let Christ himself be enough. When faith is whole, we no longer chase signs. We recognize the Sign already given.
May the Lord grant us a steady heart, an undivided mind, and the courage to believe — even without signs.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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