In reading over James 5:7-10, I was struck by the number of times the word "patience" was used. Of course, it would be mentioned since it's the theme of this reading. However, what truly did stick, even more so, was the number of times, "Brothers and Sisters" was used. The way James used it, I think, is as a term of endearment. It's not a salutation to a letter. James begins with "Be patient..." In fact, to me it looks like he took particular care not to begin a sentence with the two words.
It's probably just me. But I can't help feeling that he uses it to draw the reader in. Is it an unconscious, technique? Is it a deliberate tool of manipulation?
I think it's a very natural expression of intimacy. In fact, the admonishment "Be patient," juxtaposed with "Brothers and Sisters," makes being patient, a loving thing, which I don't think it necessarily is. In fact, it may just be the opposite. I have all the patience in the world about things I don't care about. It's things that I love that I want yesterday, that I need NOW.
Can I make myself have patience? I won't if I have a choice.
So I wait for the Lord, Brothers and Sisters.
