Many people do not find the Letter of James attractive or inspiring. Some find it too moralistic, closer to the Old Testament Jewish religion than to Christianity. However, because it is the word of God we should not dismiss it so easily but reflect on what it says to us.

Today's passage is a reminder of the fact that life is not entirely in our own hands: "You have no idea what kind of life will be yours tomorrow." Yes, but at least we can face tomorrow with the determination that, whatever comes, we will still be children of God and hope to live our faith accordingly. St Ignatius teaches us (Spiritual Exercises 316) that spiritual consolation is anything which increases our faith, our hope and our love and joy in the things of the Lord. Obviously, then, whatever tomorrow brings, we may hope, even expect, that, with God's grace and in his mercy, we will continue each day to grow in wisdom, age and grace, as Jesus did in Nazareth.