Sunday, September 28, 2014

Sunday, September 28, 2014

James 3:1-13

“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.”

One of my university professors often said, “Doctors bury their mistakes. Lawyers incarcerate their mistakes. But, teachers duplicate their mistakes.” I think of that quote now as I read James’ reflection on the power of the tongue. In fact, James begins by reminding his readers to think twice before becoming teachers, because teachers will be held to a higher standard.

From my years teaching high school religion, I know how true James’ advice is. I’ve had former students say, “I remember when you taught us…” and I would cringe because I was mistaken in the way I told it or because I no longer held that view.

Even more in everyday life, the power to duplicate our mistakes is overwhelming. James says we have the power to curse those who are made in the likeness of God. When we forget that our brothers and sisters (or even our enemies) are beloved of God, we have the ability to unleash a stream of unkind or even hateful speech towards them. Do this enough and we duplicate our mistakes. Others begin to believe what we tell them: they are not good enough or worthy enough or loved at all.

On the other hand, we have the power with our speech to remind others just how loved they are. The L’Arche movement turns fifty years old this year. People with and without intellectual disabilities live and work together and help each other grow in their humanity. L’Arche has a beautiful tradition of celebrating birthday parties. Community members plan the day in all the usual ways by making a delicious meal, decorating the house, and wrapping gifts. But after the dinner plates are cleared, each guest in turns holds a candle and lets the guest of honor know how special he or she is. Time after time, I’ve seen the power of simple words of affirmation. The first time I celebrated my birthday in L’Arche, the kind words of the guests moved me to tears.

Since then, I’ve often wondered, how can I duplicate this tradition outside of birthday parties? Passing on kind and encouraging words is never a mistake.

- David Shumaker