Gospel: February 16, 2026
February 16, 2026 (Monday)
6th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 2 (Green)
Ps 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76
Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
1st Reading: James 1:1-11
James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sends greetings to the 12 tribes scattered among the nations. Consider yourselves fortunate, my brothers and sisters, when you meet with every kind of trial, for you know, that the testing of your faith makes you steadfast. Let your steadfastness become perfect, with deeds, that you, yourselves, may be perfect and blameless, without any defect. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all easily and unconditionally. But ask with faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave driven and tossed on the sea by the wind. Such a person should not expect anything from the Lord, since the doubter has two minds and his conduct will always be insecure. Let the believer who is poor, boast, in being uplifted, and let the rich one boast, in being humbled, because he will pass away like the flower of the field. The sun rises and its heat dries the grass; the flower withers and its beauty vanishes. So, too, will the rich person fade away, even in the midst of his pursuits.
Gospel: Mark 8:11-13
The Pharisees came and started to argue with Jesus. Hoping to embarrass him, they asked for some heavenly sign. Then
his spirit was moved. He gave a deep sigh and said, “Why do the people of this present time ask for a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this people.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side of the lake.
Reflection:
Keep your faith burning!
Skepticism cripples one’s faith. In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees attempt to embarrass Jesus by arguing and demanding signs from him. This demonstrates their inability to grasp the significance of the multiplication of loaves and fish, which they witnessed firsthand. This reveals their impure motivation toward Jesus, leading to the refusal to provide them with a sign. Such refusal shows faith is based on our heartfelt response to God’s truth rather than external evidence. Sometimes, when life becomes challenging, we argue with and seek signs from God. Saint James, in the first reading, reminds us that trials are God’s gift to test our faith and to strengthen our resolve. So, when life gives you lemons, view it as an opportunity to deepen your faith and make lemonade to celebrate your spiritual triumph. Keep your faith burning!
