Against the way of the world

It has never been easy for faithful Christians to implement their faith fully in the world. In ancient times, saints were executed by the state. In medieval times, saints often ran afoul of hypocritical rulers as well as the corrupt allies and antagonists of those rulers. Even in the golden era of “Going My Way”, anti-Catholicism was very strong in many places and advancement in politics was acceptable only if you could minimize the concrete effect of faith on your decision-making.

Thus, the words of the wicked in today’s first reading (Wisdom 2:12, 17-20) resonate still in our world:

Let us beset the just one,
because he is obnoxious to us;
he sets himself against our doings...

But, as difficult as it may sometimes be, the way of God is infinitely better than the way of the world.

The contrast between these two paths is illustrated eloquently in today’s second reading (James 3:16-4:3):

Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder
and every foul practice.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity.

And the fruit of righteousness
is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace.

Where do the wars
and where do the conflicts among you come from?

Is it not from your passions
that make war within your members?

You covet
but do not possess.
You kill and envy
but you cannot obtain;
you fight and wage war.
You do not possess
because you do not ask.

You ask but do not receive,
because you ask wrongly,
to spend it on your passions.

Which way shall we go?

Wisdom from above
is first of all pure,
then peaceable,
gentle,
compliant,
full of mercy
and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity.

And the fruit of righteousness
is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace.