Friday 18 February 2022
Day of penance
James 2:14-24, 26. Happy are those who do what the Lord commands – Psalm 111(112):1-6. Mark 8:34-9:1.
Faith is authenticated by works
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? . . . James makes an excellent point: what is the use of faith if you tell a brother or sister who is naked and hungry to go in peace but do not address their physical needs? There are different understandings of the role of faith and works among different Christian denominations. James uses the story of Abraham and Isaac as an example of faith being completed by works. Our works and actions are the evidence of our faith. If we believe that God loves us all, how can we not live out that love in our daily interactions with each other? Good acts will flow from our deep faith in God and God’s love as we continue to listen with the ear of our heart, as St Benedict encourages us to do. When we listen to God and to each other, we will see what needs to be done as we work with God to bring about God’s kingdom.
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