As one of the world’s greatest lovers of White Castles, I can vouch for the truth of their current slogan: “The Crave is a Powerful Thing!”. Even though I know that they are not good for my health, my passion for sliders is powerful. I can’t help it. I also have a passion for other unhealthy foods such as apple fritters, buttered popcorn, and Sander’s Bumpy Cake. I am told that, in order to keep these passions from taking me too far, I need to eat more kale and spinach and (OMG!) veggie burgers!!
In the second reading at Mass this weekend, St. James tells us that wars and conflicts come from the “passions” (some Bibles translate James’ word as “cravings”) for things of this world. We covet, long for, pray for, and pay for the wrong things, and envy what others have: the latest toys; current fashion and designer clothes; luxurious cars and homes; the most powerful pickup trucks; a job which will give us the best lifestyle; a retirement plan that will allow us to live in comfort. In today’s Gospel, the disciples are envious and crave power. Jesus cautions them to be humble, like children.
We need to work hard lest our passions take us too far away from God and wisdom of God. We must crave the “things from above,” which, as St. James writes, are “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield. full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of hypocrisy or partiality”. All of these lead to peace rather than war and conflict. It is God’s will that we live in peace. Who doesn’t want to live in peace?
Each of us must find ways to do this. A couple things that may be helpful: praying for the needs of others rather than selfishly asking for our own needs; being involved in peace-making and social justice ministries; finding our identity in being close to God rather than in our possessions; handling disputes with mercy and love; looking up to people who have godly wisdom rather than to the rich and famous.
The Crave (for the things from above) is a Powerful Thing!!
