Faith Daily | 15 February 2021

PRAYER of the WEEK Ash Wednesday Prayer of the Season

Almighty and everlasting God,

you hate nothing that you have made,

and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent:

create and make in us new and contrite hearts,

that we, worthily lamenting our sins,

and acknowledging our wretchedness,

may obtain of you, the God of all mercy,

perfect remission and forgiveness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen APBA p481

GOSPEL for the Day: Mark 8: 11-13

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. 12And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.’ 13And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.

GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by Kathy Allen

Is there a person who hasn’t said to another, either silently or aloud, but with gritted teeth, ‘How many times do I have to tell you?” Jesus is exasperated. Moving onward to Jerusalem and his certain fate, Jesus has been teaching the Good News to individuals and to groups large and small-teaching in open fields, in small house, beside rivers, in synagogues. It seems as if Jesus, with the help of his chosen disciples, never rests or deviates from sharing God’s message of love and service.

Then along come the Pharisees asking, yet again, for a sign from heaven. As a person we can hear Jesus sigh, but as the son of God we now witness His steely resolve. He is finished with this generation of deniers and non-believers. Jesus realises that he has to leave these people to their various struggles and continue his own teaching agenda and He chooses to leave the non-believers ‘on the other shore.’ He does not turn his back on them. They are free to cross-over, but He cannot wait for them to see His truth.

This is a timely lesson. We must remember always the teachings of Jesus and distance ourselves from those who persistently mock, deny or challenge and refuse to listen to the answers He gives.

FINAL PRAYER: Bridget Rees, Christian Aid

O God, you claim me as your partner,

respecting me,

trusting me,

tussling with me.

Support me

as I dare to be vulnerable with you,

encourage me

as I dare take risks with you,

so together we can transform our world.

Amen