James, to us

Thursday, November 20, 2008 -- Week of Proper 28
Edmund, King of East Anglia, Martyr, 870

Today's Reading for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 993)
Psalms 105:1-22 (morning) 105:23-45 (evening)
Malachi 2:1-16
James 4:13 - 5:6
Luke 17:20-37

There is a haunting warning in today's reading from James. He addresses the wealthy. (From a world-perspective, that's nearly all of us here in this country.) James expects misery to come to us. "Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you..."

James has already spoken of the virtue of humility. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." James has already spoken of the virtue generosity. He has commended those who respond compassionately to the needs of others. "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 bodily needs, what is the good of that?" James has already endorsed equity and a special regard for the poor. (Chapter 2)

He holds the wealthy and powerful to a high ethic. They are responsible for the well-being of others, James says. He tells the rich that the rust of their gold and silver "will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire." He condemns the injustice of their economy. Like the prophets of old, James says the cries of those who have been defrauded will reach God's ears. "You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter." James speaks judgment to the wealthy. That's us. James says that God holds us responsible for the well-being of others, especially the poor.

I was in a conversation earlier this week with a friend who teaches sociology at the U. of A. He was telling me about research that they have done to calculate what kind of income it takes to live here (in Washington, Benton, & Madison Counties). To afford a two bedroom home or apartment, one would need to work 48 hours a week at $10.50 an hour. Someone on minimum wage would need to work 80 hours a week to afford the same apartment -- double the full-time benchmark of 40 hours a week. To live in two bedroom dwelling, someone in our community needs to earn between $13.30 and $14.08 an hour according to their research. That would be what some call a "living wage."

As I read this passage from the epistle, I wonder what James would say to us.

Lowell

_____________________________________________

Audio podcast: Listen to an audio podcast of the most recent Morning Reflections from today and the past week. Click the following link: Morning Reflection Podcasts

About Morning Reflections
Morning Reflections is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html


The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Visit our web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life

We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas