December 12, 2022

“Even at 85, I have never acquired much wisdom, other than perhaps the value of reticence and avoidance of judging others, lest I invite condemnation of myself.”  That is from a recent essay by author James Lee Burke.

The apostle James says it this way in this week’s lectionary reading. “Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged” (James 5:9)

Why not do yourself a favor, and just let it go? You would be obeying God and making things easier on yourself and, of course, the one you are judging.

“O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having 
done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – BCP)