Monday 21 February 2022

Today is Monday the 21st of February, in the seventh week of Ordinary time.

The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing: 'God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.' As you enter into prayer now, can you put aside any pride you may have in your own wisdom and strength? Can you bring yourself before the God who loves you and has chosen you?

Today's reading is from the Letter of James.

James 3:13-18

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

As we begin this time of reflection on this passage, take a moment to consider your own works… would you say your works are done with 'gentleness born of wisdom'? Talk to Jesus about this now, as one friend speaks to another…

Conversely, do you find any evidence of 'bitter envy' or of 'selfish ambition' in your heart at the moment? Take some time to talk to the Lord about this…

Listen to the passage again… is there a particular word that stands out to you?

'And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace'. Talk to God about any peace you might need to make today.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.