Sunday, September 23, 2012

Important Words From James & Karen, And They Speak To The Same Thoughts 2000 Years Apart

I thought I'd repost a video I linked to during the last presidential election.  It seems to go with today's readings, especially this one, the second reading from Jame's 3.  The video is Karen Armstrong's 2008 TED address in which she announces the beginning of the Charter for Compassion.  Part of her message is that compassion compels us to go beyond toleration of the 'other' to appreciation for the other.  That's a tough jump, one our current climate is not encouraging, and one I have a difficult time with in regards to a certain institution and some of it's representatives.  First some words from James.

Beloved:
Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder and every foul practice.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace.

Where do the wars
and where do the conflicts among you come from?
Is it not from your passions
that make war within your members?
You covet but do not possess.
You kill and envy but you cannot obtain;
you fight and wage war.
You do not possess because you do not ask.
You ask but do not receive,
because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

And now some words from Karen.  (I kind of wonder if in James' time we would ever have been allowed to hear any words from Karen.)