Day 59 (10) – Llanes

Moving from the Cantabria region to the Austrias region of Spain is adding even more incredible beauty. All day we ascended and descended in elevation mile after mile. Each day I say it can’t get better but each day holds its own spectacular beauty. Most people here use Llanes as the home base to head to the big mountains that surround the region.

Between the hills and the headwinds we worked hard today. We enjoyed a big feast (oops ordered fried sardines and had to focus to get em down quick) and then we explored the old center of town and marina. We sat comfortably watching a ship unload its cargo of seaweed. Fun to see.

As we begin our reading of the Book of James… a little historical background to the book.

The Epistle of James is a public letter modeled on Jewish diaspora epistles and wisdom literature, blending moral exhortation with possible influences from Jesus’ sayings and Greco-Roman philosophical and rhetorical traditions. The historical context of the Epistle of James is debated, with some viewing it as a response to Pauline theologywhile others see it as rooted in a Jewish-Christianmilieu marked by tensions between rich and poor, emerging divisions between Jews and Christians, and ethical concerns for marginalized groups. The Epistle of James emphasizes perseverance in the face of trials and encourages readers to live in accordance with the teachings they have received. The letter addresses a range of moral and ethical concerns, including pride, hypocrisy, favoritism, and slander. It advocates for humility, the pursuit of wisdom aligned with spiritual values rather than worldly ones, and the practice of prayer in all circumstances.

The Epistle of James was disputed and sparsely cited in early Christianity, gained wider recognition only by the late 4th century, and was criticized by Martin Luther during the Reformation for its teachings on faith and works, though it remained part of the New Testament canon.^[11][12] It emphasizes that true faith must be demonstrated through works, teaching that faith without works is dead, and highlighting care for the poor, ethical living, and communal practices like anointing the sick.