The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

In support of the Gospel reading today about two remarkable healing events, the lectionary gives us two vital messages. One is upbeat and positive; the other is stern and confrontive.

First, the good news. We can be strong in the face of fear because we serve a God who rectifies the injustice of the world, who brings healing to a world struggling with blindness, deafness, immobility, speechlessness, thirst, and heat. “Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear!’” The psalmist tells us not to trust in the rulers of the earth, for they all die and return to dust. But the Creator of all things cares for the hungry, the oppressed, prisoners, the orphan, and the widow. And we can do likewise.

Second, the bad news. Instead of what we ought to do (see above), James tells us that we seem prone to show favoritism, to shun the poor, and to look away from those in need. We foolishly honor the rich, the very people who oppress, sue, and blaspheme. James pleads with us to take our faith with us into our daily lives and to put it into practice. “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” What a challenge.

- Jim Beck