Today we begin readings from the Letter of James. He speaks very directly and pulls no punches in challenging his readers. In today's reading he makes three related points. First, he urges his brothers and sisters to see in their trials as Christians a source of joy. Jesus, too, said we were blessed when we were persecuted for our living out of the Gospel, the Gospel of Truth and Love and Life. When the Christian life becomes too easy, it tends to become flabby as well. Second, we should pray for wisdom. Wisdom is not just knowledge. It is a deep insight into the truth and nature of things, especially of the ways that God is calling us to follow. In times of trial this wisdom is greatly needed so that we can respond in an appropriate way, in truth and love. Third, the poor man should be aware of his special status in the eyes of God. With nothing of his own, his total dependence is on God. Throughout the letter the author reaffirms the teaching of Jesus that worldly prosperity is not necessarily a sign of God's favour, as the people of the Old Testament and even Jesus' own disciples tended to believe. Only a fool believes that true happiness lies in material wealth. The truly rich are not those who have the most but rather those whose needs are the least.