September 20, 2021

“For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.” (James 3:13-14)

That’s from yesterday’s epistle reading from the book of James. It reminds me of Warren Zevon’s Disorder in the House, released in 2003 right before he died of cancer.

“Disorder in the house / Reptile wisdom / Zombies on the lawn staggering around

Disorder in the house / There's a flaw in the system / And the fly in the ointment's gonna bring the whole thing down.”

We know the flaw in the system that brings the whole thing down. Fortunately, we also know the One who took the disorder of the whole world into His being. He went down, but rose again. And swept us all up in his train.

“Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 17 – BCP)