WHILE working in the Holy Land, Palestinians often told an amusing story about the history of their land which had been occupied by numerous empires and powers: the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Israeli, etc.
After each story of occupancy, the Palestinian would say “…and where are they now?” In other words, dominations come and go but “only God’s promise to the land will stand and remain!”
We can hear something similar in this reading of Scripture: “Take notice, Israel, of the laws and customs that I teach you today, that you may have life and take possession of the land. And people will exclaim ‘no other people is as wise and prudent as this great nation that has its God so near with laws and customs.’”
The present situation in the world is frightening. Not only is our life and world in danger, but climate change, epidemics and natural catastrophes even take away hope for future generations and the existence of the planet. The world powers and terrorist organizations continue their board games. While financial means are casually squandered in luxurious space travel, the poorest are condemned to greater depravity, exploited and sold in slavery.
What hope is there in such god-forsakenness? Maybe we can learn from the Palestinians “only God’s promises will stand and remain!”
In the letter of James, God promises us new life through baptism in Jesus, who, freely chose to become one with us, makes us the first fruits of a new creation. For us who are baptized, there is a new beginning that saves us from the misery of the world in which we live.
The question we need to ask is “How should we, who live in this world with all its problems, live this new beginning?” In the letter from James, I found some good advice. He first talks about accepting God’s word. Believing God’s word and putting our hope on it, we have the certainty that all will be accomplished as he purposed.
Secondly, he tells to help orphans and widows; in other words, reach out to the helpless and needy. And lastly, he warns us not to be contaminated by the world, meaning, do not let your emotions be affected by the things of this world.
This, I believe, is for us Christians the hardest task. Even in the jungles of Sarawak, I remember, the news items on BBC radio, to which I religiously listened every hour, steered my life.
Everyone is affected by these multiple events and happenings that stir up evil thoughts and desires in our heart, the ones that Jesus says, defile us (fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. Mark 7:21-22).
James, however, demands obedience to God’s word, helping the poor and needy. This is the spiritual battle that needs to be fought courageously: to free our hearts for LOVE.
In Mark 7, the Pharisees and Scribes ask Jesus why his disciples do not follow the customs of the Jews. Here is a reference made to the “mitzvot”, the 613 commands and laws which are to be kept by all the faithful Jews. The mitzvot begin with the ten commandments and many other laws and regulations to guide the community. It is good to note that Jesus in this text is not criticizing the mitzvot, for “I have not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfil them.”
He criticizes the Jews for not understanding the purpose of the mitzvot, namely the greatest command: “‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
When I go to Mass on Sunday for social reasons, I am not honouring God and do not fulfil the purpose of the law. On the other hand, when in this time of COVID, love of neighbour helps me to keep distance, wear a mask, and get vaccinated, I do fulfil the purpose of the law.
Question
- Is the goal of my life to be without difficulties and sin?
- Where is the spiritual battle in your life?
