25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our first two readings not only mesh well but seem to speak to each other. Written more than one hundred years apart, they both address a common topic: the evil that drives some human behavior. One can well imagine James holding court with the group identified in Wisdom as “the wicked” and giving them a piece of his mind!
The author of Wisdom details the sinister behavior that defines the wicked. Their disgust and distrust revolve
around a certain “just one.” They are inconvenienced by the words and
actions of this “obnoxious” man. The wicked ones are determined to have
him destroyed to see if even God can save him. Yet with all the negative
overtones throughout this passage, the wicked still recognize within
the just one a behavior marked by gentleness and patience. One way or
another, the just person is "getting to them."Do our actions single us out for recognition by both good and wicked people? If not, are we avoiding notice or even "copping" to the ways of injustice that are everywhere in our world? Can we fulfill our mission as disciples of Christ if we do not stand out by our words and (especially) our actions?
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
