Grant, O God, that, following the example of your servant James the Just, brother of our Lord, your Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Psalm
1
The Readings
The Psalm
1
The Readings
Acts 15:12-22a + 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 + Matthew 13:54-58
All the apostles and elders kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me..."
~Acts 15:12-13
The James we remember today, called 'the Just' and 'the brother of the Lord,' is believed to have been one of the brothers of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels. He apparently became a believer after the resurrection, and was thereafter one of the leaders in the church's first days. As the first bishop ('overseer') of the church in Jerusalem, he presided over a council, as recorded in Acts, that addressed the pressing issue of the day: how should the church approach and incorporate Gentiles into the community? It was a potentially explosive question that threatened to divide the church, and it is to James' credit that his wisdom helped chart a way forward that was both faithful and inclusive in its reconciliation. James listened to both sides--and he listened to the Holy Spirit.
All the apostles and elders kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me..."
~Acts 15:12-13
The James we remember today, called 'the Just' and 'the brother of the Lord,' is believed to have been one of the brothers of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels. He apparently became a believer after the resurrection, and was thereafter one of the leaders in the church's first days. As the first bishop ('overseer') of the church in Jerusalem, he presided over a council, as recorded in Acts, that addressed the pressing issue of the day: how should the church approach and incorporate Gentiles into the community? It was a potentially explosive question that threatened to divide the church, and it is to James' credit that his wisdom helped chart a way forward that was both faithful and inclusive in its reconciliation. James listened to both sides--and he listened to the Holy Spirit.
We live in a time in which keeping silence and really listening seem to be in short supply. Everywhere there is noise, arguing, interrupting. We do not listen to what another is saying, or give them the benefit of the doubt, but instead internally formulate our rebuttal while our "opponent" is speaking. The breakdown of substantive political discourse in favor of shouting down and speaking over others is a symptom of a troubling lack in our society and in our souls that is not limited to election time.
Today, be intentional in going against the grain of this trend. No one of us can change society overnight. But we can pray for grace to grow within us; we can cultivate silence in our souls that will allow us to better hear God and one another; we can honor the dignity of our sisters and brothers by really listening to them, and honor ourselves by expecting the same respect from others. It is in such listening and speaking that the wonders of God may be made manifest--the reconciliation to which God calls us.
Closing Prayer
O God, thank you for giving us examples, like James, of leaders whose strength is in their wise and compassionate understanding. Help us to make space in our lives for your holy wisdom, that we may make space for others; this we pray in the Name of the one who is our peace, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Today, be intentional in going against the grain of this trend. No one of us can change society overnight. But we can pray for grace to grow within us; we can cultivate silence in our souls that will allow us to better hear God and one another; we can honor the dignity of our sisters and brothers by really listening to them, and honor ourselves by expecting the same respect from others. It is in such listening and speaking that the wonders of God may be made manifest--the reconciliation to which God calls us.
Closing Prayer
O God, thank you for giving us examples, like James, of leaders whose strength is in their wise and compassionate understanding. Help us to make space in our lives for your holy wisdom, that we may make space for others; this we pray in the Name of the one who is our peace, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
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| An icon of 'Holy Apostles James, Brother of the Lord' presiding as bishop in the eucharistic liturgy |
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