James 3:13-18: Authentic Wisdom
Friday, December 6, 2019
I love this letter. We do not visit it often enough. Today’s reading is particularly interesting to me as I notice that in my Spanish Biblia verse 16 the Spanish is envidia (envy) rather than celos (jealousy). Thus in the Spanish version of James, we are called to put aside our envy – our wanting others to suffer loss – rather than mere jealousy – our wanting what others have. James is the patron saint of Spain – I wonder if they know him better than we English speakers do.
The reason I enjoy reading James is that he is so plain. There is no wondering about his words. He goes to the root causes of division and he makes strong suggestions for a positive change. He sees our obstacles as: pride, presumption, loose tongues, ambition, material goods. He recommends patience, forbearance, firmness of heart, perseverance, humility, confession, union with God.
From yesterday’s MAGNIFICAT Meditation by Jean Vanier: Many of us live in delusion about ourselves, unable to see ourselves as we really are. The veil [that prevents our encounter with Jesus] has to be broken somewhere in our deep inner being . . . Jesus is the healer, the One who comes to bring me life and liberate me from myself. He comes to heal me from my egoism, from aggressiveness. He comes to heal me from my anguish . . . It is a beautiful thing to meet people in deep anguish, who are able to say . . . that they are beginning to find peace . . . They know what it is to find pass from death to life. They know the quiet experience of the healing power of the Spirit.
James brings us the opportunity to take a long, hard look at ourselves. James lays out the parameters for living of life of Christ rather than a life outside of Christ. It is not difficult to discern our path once we take off our blinders.
It is the removal of the blinders that is difficult.
It is the taking down of the illusion that we resist.
It is the deconstructing all the ramparts of our fear that we have built up so earnestly that we reject. It is the disassembling of our false god that we have woven so meticulously that we fear.
What brings us healing? What brings us peace?
It is the coming to Christ with nothing but our actions.
It is the rising to the true challenge and purpose of our lives.
It is the revelation of ourselves unashamedly to our God.
It is the humbling of ourselves.
It is the asking of God for the strength to do his will.
This is what brings healing. This is what brings peace.
This baring of naked self leads to authenticity . . . This authenticity invites wisdom.
This wisdom engenders a life into which Christ easily steps.
For more on Authenticity, click on the image above or go to: http://elementsofyourlife.blogspot.com/2012/05/live-your-life-with-authenticity.html
Cameron, Peter John, Rev., ed. “Meditation for the Day.” MAGNIFICAT. 4 November 2008. Print.
LA BIBLIA DE LA AMÉRICA. 8th. Madrid: La Casa de la Biblia, 1994. Print.
Written on November 4, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite.
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