FAITH IN THE GOSPEL

 FAITH IN THE GOSPEL

Meditation for Tuesday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time

(Rm 1:16-25; Lk 11:37-41)

NATURE SPEAKS OF GOD

Today, St Paul begins to introduce faith in the gospel. From all the attacks and criticisms he experienced, St Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” In the gospel lies the righteousness of God, which is revealed through faith. So, those who live by faith in the gospel live under the righteousness of God. And this becomes their justification.

St Paul talks about those who try to suppress the truth of God in order to cover their wicked ways; those who deny the truth of the gospel. It is wickedness to deny the truth of God because, “Ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature, namely, His eternal  power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made.” There is no excuse of denying God; those who entertain such unbelief simply refuse to honor Him as God. But turning the

mind away from God makes one to makes one to be consumed by his futile thoughts, “And their senseless minds were darkened.” Such a mind darkened by selfishness becomes wicked! In their foolishness, the claim to wise, and denying God their ‘obedience of faith’, the exchanged the glory of the immortal God for objects and useless pleasures. “Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie.”

Through faith in the gospel, our hearts are purified, and we are saved from futility. The power of God, which is revealed through the gospel enlightens our minds that we might act wisely and live righteously. So, by meditating on the gospel, we absorb the truth of Jesus Christ and abide in Him. Then, even our external actions shall manifest the glory of God.

St Wilfrid of York, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday October 12^th, 2021.
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