An uncommon sense

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary can make us uncomfortable about the allure and apparent goodness of comfort. The second letter of James comments on the deference which is shown in the community gatherings to the wealthy. Friar Jude Winkler points out that today the wealthy donor or patron of the activities of the parish is treated differently from the poor member of our communities. He refers to studies which indicate our vision of the "good" person is too often associated with characteristics of having wealth, being a winner and being white skinned. These attitudes tempt the disciples of Jesus not to strive to see with the eyes of God, Who chooses the poor, outcast, weak and unlikely to be King David or Peter the Rock. Jesus confronts the common sense of Peter that the "Son of Man" will be a great and powerful Messiah, a King or General who will bring them comfort, with allusion to the Suffering Servant leader of the Book of Isaiah who will give everything for the salvation of the nation and the world. The temptation in Peter's mind to move to power and glory is firmly rejected by Jesus. The psalmist declares the point of view from which there is better clarity about those in relationship with the Divine. They are the humble who have been delivered from fear to love.