IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF
ABRAHAM
Meditation
for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Rm 4:1-8; Lk 12:1-7)
St Paul takes his discussion on justification by faith further by citing the example of Abraham. “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” If he was justified by his good deeds, he would have something to boast about. And justification would be his due right since he worked for it. But by his faith Abraham trusted God, and his faith was reckoned as righteousness. Because he believed in His heart, and trusted in God by his actions, his faith became the REASON for his actions, and his actions became an expression of his faith. This kind of faith brings to us unmerited blessings; Abraham’s blessings.
Faith without the underlying trust in God is hypocrisy. By trust we incline towards God in our actions. Jesus warns, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” The hypocrite has faith in God, but his actions do not express it. Jesus says nothing is hidden from God; “Nothing covered up that will not be revealed.” He who justifies us will reveal even the secret thoughts and whisper.
That is why, as God’s faithful children, we should not fear those
who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do, or fear losing
Good name before people like the hypocrites. “But I will warn you whom to fear:
fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you,
fear Him!” So, let our faith be true and strong like that of our father Abraham,
for God cares for His children, and He will justify us at the end. “Why, even the
hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Amen.
St Teresa of Avila, pray for us. Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday October 15th, 2021.
www.soundofsilence.ng
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