Epistle of James
Biblical illustrations by Jim Padgett, courtesy of Sweet Publishing, Ft. Worth, TX, and Gospel Light, Ventura, CA. Copyright 1984. Released under new license, CC-BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
September 2, 2018
Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Psalms 45 or 72; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:18, 14-15, 21
The lessons for September 2, 2018, are a mixed bag. The Song of Solomon 2:8-13 is a bit on the erotic side. Mark tells of Jesus defending his disciples’ right to eat without washing their hands. Psalm 45is a love song addressed to a king. James speaks of hearing and doing the Word: “If you think you are religious and do not bridle the tongue but deceive the heart, your religion is worthless. True religion is this, to care for the orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Given the current state of our world, James seems most relevant. But let’s be careful. It is too easy to put the world and our leaders on trial. From the safety of the pulpit, moralizing the text comes easily. I find the need to bridle the tongue to be an important warning. But we do need to speak truth to the powers.
As for caring for orphans, there is plenty of work to be done. The current persecution of mothers who had their children taken away at the border, and now have been sent home without those children, gives the meaning of orphanan entirely different perspective. Many of those children will not see their parents again. This puts a new stain on the welcoming words printed on the Statue of Liberty. You know, welcoming “those huddled masses yearning to be free.” Some among us would turn off the lamp of liberty and freedom.
And given the low wage scale, one wonders how widows and single moms can survive—especially when they are trying to keep kids in school.
How does one defend widows and orphans these days? And then the nagging truth hit me: September 2 is the weekend we historically have celebrated Labor Day. In my keepsake box, I have the honorable release as a member of the AFL-CIO when I was drafted during the Korean War.
I have many fond memories of my days working in the old Ford plant in Dallas. Our union ensured that we were paid a fair wage and good benefits. And we took pride in our work. Because of the union, my dad who lived to 92 was given an excellent retirement plan. Such care no longer exists for blue collar working class folks. Politicians have mostly destroyed the unions. And too many, especially women, exist on a minimum wage of $7.50 per hour.
The Church of Jesus Christ needs to heed the words of James on this weekend dedicated to honoring those who labor. And we need to stand against those like one of our senators who said, “If we increase the minimum wage, they will just waste it on wine and fun.”
James is asking us preachers to become the voice for orphans and widows and all who suffer in these days. Anyone for true religion?
The Rev. Bill Cotton of Des Moines, Iowa, is a retired clergy member of the Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. His Memo for Those Who Preach is delivered by email. Subscribe by emailing him at revcottonhill@hotmail.com.