September 9, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for September 9th: Proverbs 22:1-2,8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37; Theme: God favors the poor over the rich James: James continues to help us to understand that faith is not how we believe, it is how we live our lives. We have a tendency to live in stereotypes of other people. We tend to believe that if people are poor, then it is their own fault, and they are bad people. If people are well dressed, then they must be doing something right and they are good people. James says that actually it is the exact opposite. God is always on the side of the poor. So whatever reason they may be poor, we need to help them to live a better life. Proverbs: This book is attributed to Solomon as a middle aged man. Others say that the book is written by a concerned mother. It is a book of advice for a young prince growing up and trying to find his way in the world. The advice for this week: a good name is better than riches, the rich and the poor are both created by God, injustice will always be repaid, The generous will always benefit, and don’t take away from the poor. Questions: What were some pearls of wisdom that your mother gave to you? What do you think when you see someone in need? How willing are you to help others, Do you see benefits for yourself when you help others? What is it that you wished that you had learned earlier in life?