Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
“Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another” (Jas 5:9). Oh man, talk about coming right out of the gate with a strong message in the first reading today. Naturally, I think about the many ways my children find to complain about each other on a daily basis. I have distinct memories of doing the same thing with my siblings growing up. It seems to be a natural human habit that begins at an early age and continues throughout life, in every group, setting, relationship, and community. I can cite examples in my house, at work, in the church, and find lots of examples throughout the Bible. But James warns us today to beware of internal bickering. Do not turn on one another. We need to lean on our brothers and sisters for strength, encouragement, accountability, compassion, and love as we journey through the joys and challenges of this world. And despite our complaints and grumblings, “the Lord is compassionate and merciful” (Jas 5:11).
The other striking theme from our readings today is commitment. As I reflect on the many communities to which I belong, my marriage is the pinnacle example of commitment and discipleship: “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No’” (Jas 5:12). Each day, we rise together and recommit our yes to one another as we do all of the things involved in raising our family. In the gospels, Jesus repeatedly teaches his disciples what it means to follow Him. As disciples, we are called to die to ourselves and take up our crosses daily–in marriage and parenthood, hopefully we do the same. Jesus calls on all of us, whether we are married or not, to live in communion with others–our family, friends, neighbors, colleagues–to love one another as he has loved us. Say ‘Yes’ to a life of love; say ‘Yes’ to a life of God; say ‘Yes’ to one another because we are each made in the image of God, in the image of the loving commitment of a Lord who is kind and merciful (Ps. 103).
In our complaints and our commitments, we first must understand that we are loved by Jesus. Christ is the spouse of the Church; he has made the ultimate commitment as the bridegroom who has become one flesh with his bride–we are one in the body of Christ. And when we are true to Jesus, then we are capable of being true to one another, in friendships, in families, in marriage. The love of Christ is self-giving, self-emptying love. When we lean into discipleship, if we truly want to think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, and act like Jesus, our love and commitment take on the nature of God–willing the good of the other. May our good, compassionate, and merciful God consecrate us in the truth, the love, the commitment of being joined together, and let no one separate.
Peace,
Brandon Meyer