Words vs. Works
James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their daily needs, what is the good of that? vs. 14-16
In times of natural disaster or in times of mass shootings, national leaders are quick to offer thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. The temptation for most of us is to do the same when we discover people in need. They often aren’t in our backyard. We find it difficult to imagine that we could do much more than offer “thoughts and prayers.” The truth is, of course, that it’s not healthy or necessary to shoulder the burdens of the world. We are not the Savior.
But the writer of the letter of James draws us up short. Words are cheap and fleeting. As powerful as words are and as necessary as words are, what’s often needed in response to disaster or even everyday trouble is action, works! Works done not to earn points, not to please God, not to look good, but works because there simply is a need.
People are cold and need a coat or a blanket or shelter. People are shoeless and need soles on their feet. People are hungry and thirsty and need food and water. People are oppressed and need justice. People are persecuted and need someone to stand with them.
The letter of James isn’t to “those people out there.” The letter is written for those who count themselves believers, people of faith, the beloved community. Across this cohort the cross also casts its shadow. As we peer into that darkness, we see Jesus there just as surely as we see Jesus in the good things of life.
How can our words become actions that are an expression of God’s grace and our faith? How shall we speak in the shadow of the cross and in light of the resurrection and then how shall we act?
P.S. These words were written before the current COVID-19 crisis. It’s been frustrating to be among those considered “vulnerable” because of my age. I would like to do more than offer thoughts and prayers, but I’m relegated to a place among the “least of these”, who need to quietly sit and contemplate the fragility of life. I can still pray, however. I can still make monetary contributions to those groups who are caring for others. I can make phone calls and check up on the well-being of others. God’s call is still for not only words but also works. .
Prayer: Loving God, you clothed Adam and Eve in the Garden, gifted Dorcas in the sewing of clothes for those in poverty, and cloth us each day with more than rags. In those around us help us to see you naked on the cross that we may see you in the needs of others for you live and reign in radiant glory now and forever. Amen.
...the least of these... 