September 21, 2003
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37
Attention should be drawn to the positive power of the tongue, says James, through the works of a good life. The expressions of the tongue can be in direct opposition to the way one lives. The wise person "lives the life" and then supports the powerful expression of example through verbal expressions of wisdom shared in a spirit of meekness. Wise harmony of verbal communication and a life that is lived as an expression of positive goodness is a powerful combination. The wisdom shown through this powerful combination of goodness comes from above and is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, and is without uncertainty or insincerity, says James. The opposite expression of tongue and "works" nurtures passions that create war within individuals and among people. The ultimate purpose of religion is to draw persons near to God which in turn nurtures an expression of life which is harmonious with the work and will of God in the human family. James therefore admonishes those who read or hear what he says, to draw near to God and the result will be that God draws near to them. The lives of persons and the life of the human family is thus enriched and we in fact, become partners with God in the creation of an environment in which love and peace prevail. What a powerful combination of good talking, exemplary walking, and growth in faith!. Is there anything the world of today needs more?
Mark tells the story of how Jesus responded to the human desire to be "first", viewed as "the greatest". In a world so driven by competition, there must be something to be learned here for our own time and world. The disciples had been in conversation among themselves as to who among them would be greatest. After all, if Jesus was Messiah as they believed, and if they were his closest friends, it made sense to believe that he would share his power through his friends. But what would the "pecking order" be among them? Jesus gave them a powerful lesson. Whoever would be first he said, must be servant of all. The greatest must be willing to be the least and demonstrate that willingness through word, attitude, and work. He placed a small child in their midst and said that whoever receives a little child receives him (Jesus) and whoever receives him (Jesus) receives him (God) that sent him (Jesus).
Such a statement from Jesus coupled with some knowledge of human history, indicates that even the work of God within and among us is a process which is at work through generations as each generation profits from the gifts of previous generations.
The power of word and example is nowhere greater than when it is shared with a child, i.e., the next generation. This truth "holds" whether the example is positive or negative. The message of Jesus was not one which would "save the world" in spite of itself. The message of Jesus was one by which the world could save itself through each generation applying the positive truths learned from previous generations by word and example. What a powerful example of God working through the process of generational sharing and progress!