Jas 2:14-24,26/Psa 112:1-6/Mark 8:34–9:1
James identified authentic religion with commitment to charity, mostly toward vulnerable people, and with personal holiness.
To access such a religious life, the Apostle noted the crucial role of the word of God. Thus, he earnestly asked that believers be quick to listen to and welcome with meekness the word that has the power to save their souls.
The word of God saves souls by the infusion of the Holy Spirit who has the power to nurture the divine mind in humans.
As this happens, our judgments and attitudes will avoid distinctions with favouritism and the show of partiality, mostly against the poor.
For the furtherance of his treatment of the signs of authentic religion, today’s excerpt from the Letter of James notes the strict link between faith and good works (First Reading).
According to him, faith is brought to completion by its works. Hence, he stated that just as the body without the spirit is dead, faith that has no works is dead or barren (ibid).
Based on James’ declaration, the Church believes and teaches that faith in Christ is the true source of Christian morality.
Consequently, we can say that being Christ’s faithful is an opportunity for being fruitful. We show our faith by being the salt of the earth and light of the world (cf. Mat 5:13-16).
