Second reading “Put the word into practice” (Jas 1:17-18.21b-22.27)

 Second reading

“Put the word into practice” (Jas 1:17-18.21b-22.27)

Reading of the letter of Saint James

My beloved brothers,

    the best gifts and the perfect gifts

are all from above, 

coming down from the Father of lights, 

who, like the stars, is not

subject to periodic movement or eclipses. 

    He chose to beget us through the word of truth, 

to make us the firstfruits of all his creatures. 

    Accept with meekness the word sown in you, 

for it is able to save your souls. 

    Do what you say, 

and do not just hear it, 

for that would be deceiving yourselves. Pure and undefiled religious conduct 

    before God our Father  is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress  and to keep oneself without blemish in the midst of the world.

    – Word of the Lord.