Believe in practice: the warning of James for our everyday life

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In Regensburg there is a moving message in the upcoming Sunday gospel. The sermon text for the 22nd Sunday of the year is taken from the letter from the apostle Jakobus. This valuable text, which was written by Jakobus in the form of an "epistle", extends itself to all believers and contains central requests for the practical implementation of faith.

Jakobus speaks in clear words about the need to put it into action. He reminds all Christians that the words that are spoken are not only allowed to remain empty phrases. Instead, they have to be translated into actions and actions, which are particularly visible in their own home and in everyday life.

The gifts of God and our responsibility

At the beginning, Jakobus emphasizes that all good gifts and perfect gifts come from God, the "father of the stars". This indicates us that talents and talents that we have as individuals are gifts for which we have done nothing. Some people are talented in learning languages, others excellence in craftsmanship or are artistically talented. These gifts are an expression of the divine will.

In addition, Jakobus refers to the basic features of our faith: As he says, we are "born out of the word of truth out of free will". This means that our faith is not our own work, but a gift from God. This knowledge leads to a deep commitment associated with faith.

Jakobus also addresses the interesting tension between grace and good works. While faith is to be understood as a gift, he calls the believers to reply this gift with responsible action. Just as the people of Israel was released from slavery and then received the commandments of God, we are also responsible for actively shaping our lived life of faith. Jakobus calls for a gentleness to record the Word of God in us and then act.

These requests are a clear memory that it is not enough to just hear. Instead, it is emphasized: "But become perpetrators of the word" is not just an appeal, but a central way of living. The one should determine our actions. Jakobus compares the faith with the talents we received. As with all gifts, the following applies: potential alone is not sufficient. We have to work, practice and get involved to develop the full potential and to give the belief an active dimension.

A central element of the teaching of Jakobus ’is the call to keep himself from the world and to help the needy among us, such as orphans and widows. True piety is not only in faith, but also in practical charity and commitment to others. The James letter shows us that faith leaves the impression when it is translated into action.

Overall, the James letter calls on the faithful to take responsibility and actively live the faith. This is the only way to see the Word of God in the world and develop its full light. A call not to be satisfied with hearing, but to put faith into practice in a tangible and lively way. It is a request to transform dreams into deeds and the gifts given to us to fill with life.

The text by Benedikt Bögle suggests these thoughts, which are also of great importance in today's world.