It is 16th May 2016. We enter into week Seven of the Ordinary Time. The readings are from James 3:13-18; and the Gospel from Mark 9:14-29. The first reading demonstrates that it is now time to show our faith in our Godly wisdom-filled actions. It is all about forming our character. St. James clearly points out the practical view of the religion. Faith has to be seen and experienced in our lives. There are two kinds of wisdom. One is true wisdom comes from God filled with purity, peace, kind, selflessness, compassion, impartial, and holy. While the false and a quick-fix wisdom comes from the world full of jealousy, self-seeking ambition, living and speaking lies, and disharmony. “The principles of this kind are not the wisdom that comes down from above: they are only earthly, unspiritual and of the devil.” (James 3:15). The question each one of us need to ask is: which type of wisdom am I fanning in my life? Selfish foolishness leads to disharmony while selfless wisdom promotes peace in and around ourselves. We must be on guard towards greed and destructive competitiveness. The responsorial Psalm praises, “The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.” (Ps.18:9). Jesus questions the quality of the faith in his followers in the Gospel. Jesus got annoyed and dissatisfied with the faith of the people. Faith does not mean how much we can extract from God rather it is a complete and unconditional surrender to God. Our faith is strengthened through a sincere communication and willingness to cooperate with the plan of God in our lives. “Everything is possible for anyone who has faith. The father of the boy cried out, ‘I do have faith. Help the little faith I have.” (Mk.9:23,24). Let us ask for the gift of faith so as to renew our relationship with Jesus on a daily basis. Have a good day.