James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

Pentecost +16 - Year B

James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

Wisdom literature tends to have simplistic and dualistic rules. James’ community is persecuted and it is to be expected that wisdom’s black-and-white, this-and-that choices will be attractive. The same is true today when a sense of persecution is internal rather than external. [You may be interested in an online study of James.]

A broader approach is that of an on-going relationship with G*D and Neighbor, rather than generalized moralities that are always open to interpretation in any given circumstance - “You weren’t being kind.” “Was too!” and around and around.

Draw nearer to G*D and Neighbor. In that interplay there will be life and confusion and error, but always growth. Without such risky interplay there is deadly stasis, prelude for a violent revolution. Keep growing toward an embrace of G*D, Neighbor, and Yourself, even without a guaranteed clarity of either/or.