Monday of the 7th Week of Ordinary Time (Year II)
James 3:13-18 | Psalm 18:8-10, 15 | Mark 9:14-29
If there are any wise or learned men among you, let them show it by their good lives, with humility and wisdom in their actions. (James 3:13)
This passage is another instance where the Jerusalem Bible seems to be missing a shade of meaning that’s covered in many other translations:
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. [New American Bible, Revised Edition]
Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew, by a good conversation, his work in the meekness of wisdom. [Douay-Rheims – King James Version is almost identical]
Does any of you lay claim to wisdom or learning? Then let him give proof of his quality by setting a good example, living peaceably as a wise man should. [Knox Bible]
In all other translations, humility is painted as a consequence of wisdom, not an independent quality as might be inferred from the JB translation. In particular, it’s hard to be arrogant when one realizes just how much one doesn’t know. For us Catholics, all it takes is some contemplation on the omnipotence and omniscience of God, but even atheist scientists are regularly humbled by making important discoveries…only to uncover still more questions in the process.
Today’s reading also draws a connection between the humility of true wisdom and the creation of peace. This becomes quite clear when we consider two common approaches to peacemaking:
- Peace by fiat: “Your problem with him is pretty obvious, and so is his problem with you. I suggest you do ABC, and he does DEF, problem solved. OK?”
- Peace through bridge-building: “I don’t know your problem with him, nor do I know his problem with you, so why don’t we all sit down over a good meal and talk things out?”
One has a higher probability of success than the other.
Lord, you search us and you know us, you discern our purpose from afar. (Psalm 139) Remind us that heavenly wisdom begins in love for others, and grant us the courage to act in humility, to love in tenderness, to serve in completeness. Amen.
P.S. If you’re wondering why today’s blog title sounds familiar…
And yes, Mac Davis was actually taking a dig at folks who thought too much of themselves.