Doing good or being good

 On reflecting on the writings of St James we are presented with the conversation of faith and works. This acts as a counter-point to the discussions between Jesus and Martha about who has chosen the better path. There is also the reflection on the contemplative and the active life. However, I believe what might be lost is that God takes the initiative both in our prayers and our works. When we think that prayer or good works are initiated by ourselves we leave God out of the equation or just come along for the ride. Yet God's goodness is for us to be grounded in a relationship that can sustain us and enable us.

I believe this is at the heart of what St James is seeking us to reflect on. Our prayers or our actions should not be solely self-centered. We are formed to be in a living relationship with God and with each other. Thus our prayer is not just about making us right in the eyes of God but rather a dynamic conversion of heart that offers everything to God as God offers everything to us. Our prayer is not just about self-improvement but rather an openness to God's creative action in our lives. As I read in Psalm 66 verse 18 where there is a purification of heart that takes place, "If there had been evil in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened he has heeded the voice of my prayer." God seeks to draw the good out of us by giving voice to our deepest desire that accords with the divine plan.

This is where we are called to listen to the voice of God in the context of our own environment. The voice of God is not alien to the world we live in. The incarnation shows us that God is well aware of our daily lives and how we are called to bear witness to the goodness of God in our lives. It is this bearing witness that allows us to discover how we can respond creatively to the needs of others. This is not just out of an urge to assuage our guilt but rather a willingness to share how we can share the goodness of God daily with those we meet. This opens our eyes and our hearts to those we meet along the way. The obligation is not one imposed upon us but it is a genuine desire to share the blessings we have received for the good of others. This is for each person to pray each day that they may meet Christ and share what is within our providence to share with another.

You cannot tell a book by it's cover

 As we continue to reflect on St James' writings we can become aware of how we judge people, places, and events by our opinions of their appearance. There is almost an unconscious evaluation of how we should react to their presence and whether they are worth spending time with. They also say this process is in play when people seek to interview another for a position that they are summed up in the first thirty seconds. They say much of the remaining time of the interview is spent trying to affirm our presuppositions. This can be challenging because we want to be considered tolerant, open-minded,  and considerate of those we meet. When we become aware of this inner contradiction we need to pray from that place so that we may act justly.

This just approach to life also helps us recognize when we feel deaf and mute. When we start to either close our ears or feel unable to speak out. There can be a sense that we withdraw into ourselves and close to the world around us. On this Sunday when we consider how we provide an environment that is safe for children and vulnerable people and that nurtures and sustains them. As Christians, we are called to walk humbly with others.

This calls us to notice how our hearts well up with joy within us. This is a courageous approach to life that overcomes our greatest fear. We discover a God who loves us tenderly and desires for our eyes to be open, our ears unsealed and our lips able to sing for joy. In an age when we are shaped by the information that we are called to consume on a daily basis we need to trust that God can open our minds and hearts for the good of ourselves, the good of others, and the good of God. May we pray that we may be shaped into God's image and likeness able to be people who are rich in faith as we touch eternity hear on our earthly journey.