PARTIALITY

James 2:1-9; Ps  THe Lord hears the cry of the poor; Mk 8:27-33

We continue to follow in the footstep of JAmes as he gives guidance and direction to the universal church.  St. James in his letter turns his attention to partiality.

He ask the question, "who are we partial towards?"  Who do we have a tendency to choose to be next to or to invite over or want to share our life with?  Why do we choose those people?  More importantly why do we choose to exclude others?

Many times we choose people with ourselves in mind, that is we think about what we can get out of it?

When was the last time we chose someone for themselves and what we could give to them not for our sake but for theirs?

We live in an age of much partiality, a partiality that could be seen as prejudice?  We pre judge many before we ever get to know them.

We judge by appearance, by dress, by lifestyle, by color, by accent, by position.  When was the last time we set those aside and just got to know the person next to us for the mere fact that we share a common lot, fallen and in need of salvation.

Hear the words of St. James, "Did not God choose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom that he promised to those who love him?


Does not Jesus identify himself with the poor, "what you have done to the least of my brothers you have done unto me…"

St. Margaret of Cortona pray for us as we seek to serve the poor and rich alike, surrendering our partiality and allowing God's grace to lead us forth.