This homily introduces our new sermon series and small group study titled "Faith and _______," inspired by the epistle of James. The series aims to ignite a deeply active faith in us as believers, focusing on different acts or virtues each week. As we begin these five weeks wading through St. James' epistle, it's important to note that he's writing about the way of heaven not the way to heaven. In this first week, St. James is encouraging us to open our hearts to receive and welcome God's Word, allowing it to transform and purify us. In this first week of our series, before we get into the nitty gritty of being doers of the Word in future weeks, let us first commune with the Lord which will quiet and heal their hearts.