Word of Life April 2013
"Do not grumble against one another, my brothers." (James 5:9)
In order to better understand the Word of Life proposed to us this month we should consider the background that led to this exhortation.
In the Christian communities to which this letter was directed, problems were cropping up,
… such as scandalous behaviour, discrimination, and the selfish use of wealth, the exploitation of workers, a faith expressed more in words than through works, and so on.
Resentment and discord had resulted, creating tensions within the community.
"Do not grumble against one another, my brothers.”
Even in the first century there were situations comparable to what we find in our communities today.
In fact, the greatest difficulties in living our faith are often not those which come from outside, from the world, but those which come from within the community…
…arising from the behaviour of fellow members who are not living according to the Christian ideal.
These engender a sense of uneasiness, mistrust, and perplexity.
"Do not grumble against one another, my brothers.”
These contradictions and inconsistencies which can be more or less serious are the result of a faith which is not always enlightened, and love for God and neighbour which is not yet perfect. However, here a Christian should not react immediately by being impatient and uncompromising, but rather do what Jesus taught.
He tells us to wait patiently, he asks for understanding and mercy to help the development of that good seed which was planted in us as the parable of the weeds illustrates (Mt 13: 24-30; 36-43).
"Do not grumble against one another, my brothers.”
How then should we live the word of life for this month? It places us before a difficult aspect of Christian life.
We, too, belong to various communities, be they the family, the parish, the workplace, or the civic community or various associations, where many things may unfortunately take place which don't seem right to us.
It might be a matter of differing temperaments, dissimilar points of view, or contrasting ways of behaviour-inconsistencies that sadden us and provoke us to rejection.
Many opportunities to live well the Word of Life for this month will come up.
Instead of grumbling or passing judgment – as we would be tempted to do – we can be tolerant and understanding. Inasmuch as possible, we might even be able to lovingly correct others.
Above all, we can offer our Christian witness and respond to the possible failure on the part of others to love or to maintain their commitments by ourselves showing greater love and exerting a greater effort.
"Do not grumble against one another, my brothers." (James 5:9) Text by Chiara Lubich