IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ABRAHAM

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ABRAHAM

Meditation for Friday of the 28^th 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 15^th, 2021.

www.soundofsilence.ng

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Justification by Faith

Meditation for Thursday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

(Rm 3:21-30; Lk 11:47-54)

Today we journey with St Paul as he teaches about justification. He says that the law and the prophets bear witness to God’s righteousness. It was taught that one was made righteous or justified by keeping the law. The Jews broke the law, while the Gentiles worshipped many gods. “There is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That means justification comes as a free gift of grace, through redemption in Jesus Christ. There is no room for boasting, judging or condemning others, for no one can claim to be righteous my his efforts.

Since God has pleased to reveal his righteousness through Jesus Christ crucified, we can come under the shadow of Jesus’ righteousness by having faith in Him. This faith is made available to both Jews and Gentiles. And since Jesus is the fulfilment of the law and the prophets, faith in Him includes holding fast the law as practical and determinate steps to walking with Jesus, in whom is our justification. Now, God justifies he who has faith in Jesus Christ because the life of Jesus becomes the new rule of life, and even the guide to interpret the law and the prophets. Since Christ died for us while we were sinners, the grace of his justification is given outside of the law. “Since God is one; and He will justify the circumcised on the ground of their faith and the uncircumcised through their faith.”

The hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees makes them share in the guilt of their fathers who killed the prophets. For that was the principle that led to such persecutions. They claimed faith in God but rejected the messengers of God who condemned their evil ways. “So you are witnesses and and consent to the deeds of your fathers; for they killed the., and you built their tombs.” Therefore, faith in Jesus Christ that does not reflect in one’s life or good works becomes another form of crucifixion; such faith is empty and cannot bring justification.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Thursday October 14^th, 2021.

www.soundofsilence.ng

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com