People who use sacred texts have often found ways of selecting passages appropriate to their needs. Disciples of Confucius used a complex system of hexagrams, chosen by lot, to find images and comments suitable to their time, place and situation. In classical and medieval times, the writings of Virgil and Homer were used in a similar way. Sometimes the Bible was accessed by lot or dice or random procedures. The Church responded to the need to select appropriate wisdom from the Bible, by the daily lectionary, a selection of readings for every day in the year, which was originally used in monasteries, but has for some time been used in daily mass in the Catholic Church, and for private devotion in others. Obviously the choice of passages reflects a theology and the Christian calendar, but it also has an arbitrary element. It asks the reader, “Can this wisdom be applied to your soul, your community, your place, today?” This blog follows the daily readings and hopes to uncover some wisdom.

Reading 1, James 1:1-11

1 From James, servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Greetings to the twelve tribes of the Dispersion.

2 My brothers, consider it a great joy when trials of many kinds come upon you,

3 for you well know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, and

4 perseverance must complete its work so that you will become fully developed, complete, not deficient in any way.

5 Any of you who lacks wisdom must ask God, who gives to all generously and without scolding; it will be given.

6 But the prayer must be made with faith, and no trace of doubt, because a person who has doubts is like the waves thrown up in the sea by the buffeting of the wind.

7 That sort of person, in two minds,

8 inconsistent in every activity, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

9 It is right that the brother in humble circumstances should glory in being lifted up,

10 and the rich in being brought low. For the rich will last no longer than the wild flower;

11 the scorching sun comes up, and the grass withers, its flower falls, its beauty is lost. It is the same with the rich: in the middle of a busy life, the rich will wither.

the rich will wither...

 Gospel, Mark 8:11-13

11 The Pharisees came up and started a discussion with him; they demanded of him a sign from heaven, to put him to the test.

12 And with a profound sigh he said, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign? In truth I tell you, no sign shall be given to this generation.’

13 And, leaving them again, he re-embarked and went away to the other side.

 These readings, on the Monday before Lent, show the spiky aspects of the Christian gospel. 

1. Based as it is, on the crucifixion of Jesus, it is uncompromising about persecution. Christians do not seek it, but if it comes they must not be surprised, nor lacking in courage. With God’s help, unpopularity and suffering faithfully borne, bring strength of character. There may even be a hint here that un-persecuted Christians may be hiding the gospel.
2. Christian wisdom is different from worldly wisdom, as it is available to all, by God’s gift, through prayer, and is not dependent on intellect or education.
3. Hedging one’s bets by trusting the world along with God goes unrewarded. God’s gifts are given to those who trust in God alone.
4. Those who possess wealth will be brought low and the poor lifted up. It is clear the poor are lifted up by God through his community, but it is not clear how the rich are to be brought low. What about the bankers?
5. If people cannot see, in Jesus’ healings and teachings, the sign of divine authority, what other sign can be given? God authenticates his presence by the goodness of his servants, and in no other way. This one word clears away all the snake-oil salesmen in Christianity, who by means of hysterical devotion or elaborate ritual, gain a following of deceived disciples: they have their reward.