First Reading James 2:14-24, 26
14My brothers, what benefit is there if someone claims to have faith, but he does not have works? How would faith be able to save him?
15So if a brother or sister is naked and daily in need of food,
16and if anyone of you were to say to them: “Go in peace, keep warm and nourished,” and yet not give them the things that are necessary for the body, of what benefit is this?
17Thus even faith, if it does not have works, is dead, in and of itself.
18Now someone may say: “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works! But I will show you my faith by means of works.
19You believe that there is one God. You do well. But the demons also believe, and they tremble greatly.
20So then, are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
21Was not our father Abraham justified by means of works, by offering his son Isaac upon the altar?
22Do you see that faith was cooperating with his works, and that by means of works faith was brought to fulfillment?
23And so the Scripture was fulfilled which says: “Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.” And so he was called the friend of God.
24Do you see that a man is justified by means of works, and not by faith alone?
- Some verses are not read.
26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Catholic Public Domain Version
Read in the CPDV: The whole of James 2