Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(James 1:1-11; Mark 8:11-13)
The Letter of James is a New Testament enigma. No one knows who wrote it or to whom it was
written. Some think it was written by
James, “the brother of the Lord.” Perhaps,
but if so, why does the author never relate a personal experience with Jesus? In fact, he hardly mentions the Lord. For this reason, others wonder if it is not a
Jewish document that has been “baptized” with a few Christian references. Yet the work echoes Jesus’ passionate defense
of the poor. This is seen in today’s passage
which speaks of the lowly being exulted and the sun scorching the richly endowed
flower of the field.
Today’s reading also mentions “the twelve tribes of the
diaspora” as the letter’s addressee.
This may sound like a reference to Jews living outside of Palestine. However, the First Letter of Peter begins
with a similar reference. Perhaps, then,
the phrase refers to the communities of the twelve apostles.
Since the Reformation, the Letter of James has been most
noted for its apparent refutation of St. Paul’s claim, “… a person is justified
by faith apart from works of the law” (Rom 3:28). James states his case bluntly,
“Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
Paul himself bows to this truth
in the Letter to the Galatians where he says, “For in Christ Jesus, neither
circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working
through love” (Gal 5:6). Let us note as
well James’ testimony to faith in today’s passage. He writes that when faith is tested, it
produces perseverance which leads to perfection. The perfection of sanctity is what we
consider essential for eternal life.
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