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Patience – Wait For The Lord (Js. 5:7-12)

'Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No,” that you may not incur condemnation (Js. 5:7-12).'

This passage is summed up in the first two words – be patient.  The early Church expected the imminent return of the risen Lord as they faced many persecutions.  But as St. Peter tells us, “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day (2 Pt. 3:8).”  The patience they were to exhibit is with respect to the second coming of the risen Christ and not to suffering.  However, we are to patiently bear our suffering as Christ bore his.  James encouraged the faithful to have strength and hope during the trials they were experiencing.  The Lord is coming to judge so Christians should reflect on the hardships the prophets endured and the patience they exhibited.  They should also remember Job who steadfastly persevered and was delivered by God.  God is compassionate and merciful.  Speak the truth (Mt. 5:37) and do not abuse the use of oaths but exercise discretion in calling upon God’s name.  

Almighty God, help us to be patient in all things and to be still as we wait on You.  Let the Holy Spirit strengthen us in our trials and may truth be our steadfast companion in our daily lives.  This we ask through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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References:

Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.

Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.

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