6th Week in Ordinary Time

Show no partiality. 

In his biography of St. Francis of Assisi, British author G. K. Chesterton uses an analogy to show how Francis’ whole way of thinking had changed as a result of his conversion.   Deep in prayer in a cave outside the city, the young Francis surrendered his expectations of a worldly career with its honors and chose to live for the honor of God instead.   When he came out of the cave, everything had turned upside down for him.   It was, Chesterton wrote, as though Francis were “walking on his hands.”

Chesterton used this image to give a sense of the joy Francis felt when, having given up all his possessions, he could see the true poverty of humanity, the poverty of a people who depend at every moment on God for existence.   From this upside-down perspective, everything that seemed strong and permanent—thick walls, high towers—appeared precarious as it hung dangerously over empty space.   By being turned upside down, Francis saw things right side up.

This description can help shed light on today’s first reading (James 2:1-9).   In a world based so much on who is in and who is out, James tells his readers to “show no partiality” (2:1).   We can no longer look at things the way society does, favoring the wealthy and powerful while disregarding people who struggle with illness or financial need or weakness. Instead, we should see things upside down.   If anything, we should favor the poor over the rich, since the poor have so little and need so much.

These can be very challenging words.   It’s hard enough to give any of our spare money or time to the poor, let alone prioritize them as the greatest.   In some ways, it’s like giving just as much attention to someone we consider boring as we give to someone who is attractive or charming.

Keeping our eyes fixed on the cross is one key to flipping our perspective.   The more we see the love of the One who emptied himself, the more we will see the world differently.   The more we see how Jesus reached out to people in need, the more we will be moved to give generously of ourselves.   Like St. Francis, we will begin to treat every person, rich and poor, with the dignity and love they deserve.

“Jesus, help me to see as you see and to love as you love.”

Psalm 34:2-7
Mark 8:27-33