"Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." Jas 1:20

The letter of James is often considered Christian wisdom literature because it reflects the best of the Jewish tradition. Paul also calls James one of the "pillars" of the early church, no doubt because he understood that Jesus was the fulfillment of God's promise to the Jews. Not sent to create a new religion, Jesus was the Messiah for whom the Jews had prayed and waited. James' task was to assure the Jews that Jesus' was God's gift from within their tradition, but for the whole world. It was this last aspect of Jesus' life that was so troubling. Though Jesus came to and from the Jewish community, he did not belong to them exclusively.

Today's passage begins powerfully, as James reminds his readers to listen well, speak only when necessary and to avoid anger. Then it builds even more, reminding the community to live the word, not just speak it. Of course, these injunctions are simply an emphasis we can find throughout the bible. In the third chapter of Provers we read, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." (3:28) Acting on God's word, not just announcing it, will always be the measure of our fidelity, and it is living the Good News in justice and peace that allows us to build authentic faith communities that cross over and include all the religious traditions in the world.

Today, ask God to let you reach out in faith for someone who is needy.