The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 16, 2008
Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time



Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
James 2:14-24, 26
Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Mark 8:34—9:1



A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's first reading we hear St. James explain to us the connection between faith and works.

I believe this is one of the more important passages in all the New Testament letters as it tells us very bluntly that having faith is not enough, that it must be accompanied by good works, or else it is dead.

Where do we start? May I suggest the corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, visit the sick, shelter the homeless and bury the dead. These, while certainly not an exhaustive list of what constitutes good works give us a starting point on how we should put our faith to good use and follow what James is telling us.

There are rewards here that are much greater than one might think. In my nearly 20 years in a health care profession I have seen numerous instances of people doing just exactly what is listed above only to find the rewards for them are sometimes much greater than they are for the person they are helping. Their lives have been deeply enriched through these works and their works have made their faith vibrantly alive!

Jesus came to give us life and life eternal! Through good works we become more fully alive in our beings and in our faith.

- Don Claunch, SFO | email: dlclaunch (at) bresnan (dot) net

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