First ReadingJames 2:1-9
From the Letter of James
1My brothers, don’t hold the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with partiality.2For if a man with a gold ring,in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue,and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in,3and you pay special attention to himwho wears the fine clothing and say,“Sit here in a good place;”and you tell the poor man,“Stand there,” or “Sit by my footstool”4haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves,and become judges with evil thoughts?5Listen, my beloved brothers.Didn’t God choose thosewho are poor in this world to be rich in faithand heirs of the Kingdomwhich he promised to those who love him?6But you have dishonored the poor man.Don’t the rich oppress youand personally drag you before the courts?7Don’t they blaspheme the honorable name bywhich you are called?
8However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,“You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well.9But if you show partiality,you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.