Scripture Study for

The ungodly speak in this passage from Wisdom. They conspire to assault the  righteous one who has become a living reproach to them. Three matters in particular plague them. This honorable person stands in opposition to the wrong doings of the wicked; he denounces them for their sin; and he accuses them of  not being faithful to their upbringing. The mistreatment that is being planned is  extreme, even fatal. The righteous one, described as gentle and patient, is now  an innocent victim of the evildoers’ resentment. The reading ends on a note of  apprehension. Will the righteous one succumb to the persecution of the wicked?  Or will God intervene on behalf of this just person? 

Two styles of behavior are described in the Letter of James. Foolishness  shows itself in various forms of social unrest—jealousy, selfish ambition, etc. A  life motivated by wisdom generates harmony and peace, which give birth to all  of the manifestations of love. While wisdom is generally thought to proceed from  reflection on experience, it is also believed to be a gift from God. It is this latter dimension of wisdom that James addresses. The wisdom of which he speaks  is pure, totally committed to what pertains to God; it is peaceable, drawing the  members of the community together in unity; it is fruitful, producing good works  in abundance. 

Identifying himself as the mysterious Son of Man who comes on the clouds to  announce the end of one age and the beginning of the other, Jesus tells his closest associates that he will be handed over and killed, but that he will rise from  the dead after three days. It is not surprising that the disciples do not understand. What is surprising is their competitiveness. Without reprimanding them,  Jesus seizes the moment to teach an important lesson. He insists that, following  his example, those who hold the highest positions within the community must  be willing to take the lowest place.