Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

• First Reading - James 1:1-11: James encourages the scattered tribes to find joy in trials, as they build endurance and maturity. Seek wisdom from God with unwavering faith. Humility and reliance on God are valued over wealth, which is transient.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 119: Straying led to suffering, yet it taught me the value of Your decrees, surpassing wealth. In Your right judgments and promised mercy, I find solace and thrive.
• Gospel - Mark 8:11-13: Confronted by Pharisees seeking a miraculous sign as proof, Jesus, expressing deep frustration, categorically refused, stating that no sign would be provided to them. He then departed, leaving the discussion unresolved and continuing on his journey.

The readings for Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, from the Letter of James and the Gospel of Mark, present several profound themes relevant to Christian life and spirituality. Here are the key themes based on these readings:

• Joy in Trials and Suffering: James encourages believers to consider it pure joy when they face trials of many kinds, highlighting the transformative power of suffering in producing perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness.
• Wisdom from God: The call to seek wisdom from God in faith, without doubting, emphasizes the importance of a steadfast trust in God’s providence and guidance, especially in the face of life’s uncertainties and difficulties.
• Faith and Doubt: The reading from James also touches on the theme of faith versus doubt, illustrating how a divided mind and doubt in God’s provision can hinder one's relationship with God.
• Humility and Reliance on God: Both readings highlight the virtue of humility—James by contrasting the transient nature of wealth with the lasting value of reliance on God, and the Gospel by showcasing Jesus' refusal to perform a sign on demand, which can be seen as an act of humility and trust in God’s plan rather than succumbing to human demands.
• The Transience of Material Wealth: James explicitly mentions the fleeting nature of wealth and the importance of humility in recognizing our dependence on God rather than on material possessions.
• The Quest for Signs and Faith: In the Gospel, the Pharisees’ demand for a sign reflects a deeper issue of faith and belief. Jesus’ refusal to give a sign to those whose hearts are hardened speaks to the theme of authentic faith that does not rely solely on miracles but on a personal relationship with God.
• Jesus' Response to Unbelief: The Gospel passage also explores how Jesus dealt with unbelief and opposition, demonstrating that faith cannot be coerced through miraculous signs and that true belief comes from an open heart and mind.

These themes for Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 collectively call for a reflection on the nature of faith, the role of trials in spiritual growth, the pursuit of divine wisdom, and the importance of humility and trust in God over reliance on material wealth or the demand for signs as proof of faith. They encourage believers to deepen their relationship with God, cultivating a faith that endures trials and remains steadfast in the face of challenges.

On Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 we find ourselves reflecting upon a profound passage from the Gospel of Mark (8:11-13), alongside an encouraging message from James (1:1-11). These readings invite us to delve deeper into the essence of faith and the human inclination towards seeking signs as a basis for belief.

In the Gospel, the Pharisees confront Jesus, demanding a sign from heaven to test Him. This moment is not merely a request for a miraculous display but a critical examination of the nature of our faith. Jesus’ response is both immediate and definitive; no sign will be given to them. This interaction underscores a pivotal theme in the Christian journey: the quest for signs and wonders versus the call to a faith that transcends the visible and tangible.

Jesus' refusal speaks volumes about the character of genuine faith. It is a faith that does not depend on constant external validations but finds its foundation in a personal and communal relationship with God. This narrative challenges us to reflect on the nature of our faith. Are we seeking God only in the extraordinary, or are we also able to discern His presence in the ordinary moments of our lives? Jesus’ departure without granting a sign is a powerful statement that faith must go beyond the need for constant divine intervention to be validated.

Connecting this Gospel passage with the first reading from James, we find a complementary perspective. James speaks to the "scattered tribes" enduring trials, encouraging them to seek wisdom from God with unwavering faith. This wisdom is not merely intellectual understanding but a profound insight into living a life anchored in trust in God, especially amidst adversity. James emphasizes joy in trials, not because suffering is desirable, but because it produces perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity.

The refusal by Jesus to perform a sign on demand, juxtaposed with James’ exhortation to embrace trials with joy, presents a holistic view of faith. It is a faith that is tested and purified, not in the seeking of signs, but in the endurance of trials and the steadfast pursuit of wisdom from God. This faith does not waver in the face of challenges but grows stronger, leading us to a deeper, more mature relationship with God.

As we reflect on these passages for Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, let us contemplate the nature of our faith. Are we chasing after signs, or are we cultivating a faith that is robust, grounded in the trust and wisdom that comes from God? Let us pray for the grace to develop a faith that does not falter at the absence of signs but finds its strength in the presence of God in our lives, especially through the trials and tribulations that shape us.

Prayer

Loving God, grant us a faith that seeks You not in signs, but in the quiet of our hearts. May trials strengthen us, wisdom guide us, and Your steadfast love be our constant assurance. Amen.

Word on Fire: The Essence of Faith

Bishop Robert Barron's reflection for Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 emphasizes faith as trust in God's presence, beyond the confines of reason and control. He explains that faith involves an openness to God's will, highlighting that true faith means acknowledging we are not in control but part of a larger divine plan. Barron challenges us to embrace faith as a relationship built on trust, similar to our relationships with loved ones, and to recognize our lives as integral to God's grand design, not as our individual projects.

What date is Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For odd numbered years see Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Monday February 16, 2026 are:
First Reading  - James 1:1-11: Embracing Trials with Joy
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 119: Grace for Growth
Gospel - Mark 8:11-13: Jesus Refuses a Sign

What is the main message of the Gospel reading for Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is about the nature of faith and belief, highlighting Jesus' refusal to perform a miraculous sign for the Pharisees as proof of His authority, emphasizing faith that goes beyond seeking signs.

How does the first reading from James connect to the Gospel on Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Both readings emphasize faith and trust in God rather than reliance on external proofs or material wealth, with James encouraging joy in trials and seeking wisdom from God, complementing the Gospel's theme of faith without demanding signs.

Why does Jesus refuse to give a sign in the Gospel for Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus refuses to give a sign to the Pharisees as a response to their lack of genuine faith and to teach that true belief does not require miraculous evidence but stems from a heartfelt relationship with God.

What lesson can we learn from James 1:1-11 on Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The lesson is to find joy in trials as they build endurance and maturity, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom from God with unwavering faith, highlighting humility and reliance on God over wealth.

How does the Gospel for Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge our understanding of faith?

It challenges us to evaluate the depth of our faith—whether it is contingent upon witnessing miracles or based on a profound trust in God’s presence in our lives, without the need for constant signs.

What is the significance of Jesus' departure without providing a sign in Mark 8:11-13?

• Jesus’ departure signifies a rejection of faith that depends solely on miraculous signs, emphasizing the need for a deeper, more authentic faith rooted in trust and belief in His word and mission.

How can we apply the teachings from Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our daily lives?

By embracing trials with faith and joy, seeking God’s wisdom in all situations, and cultivating a relationship with God that is based on trust rather than the need for constant external validation.

What does James mean by saying believers should "ask in faith, with no doubting" in the context of Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

It means that when seeking wisdom or assistance from God, one should do so with complete trust and confidence in God’s providence, without wavering in belief, reflecting a deep and unwavering faith.

How can the refusal of Jesus to perform a sign for the Pharisees on Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 inspire our spiritual growth?

It inspires us to deepen our faith beyond the superficial need for signs and wonders, encouraging us to find God in the ordinary and trust in His divine plan for our lives, fostering a more mature and enduring faith.