Readings:
Romans 1:16-25
Luke 11:37-41
Reflection:
Today’s reading from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans reminds us that “The one who is righteous by faith will live.” The same quote, originally from the prophet Habakkuk, appears again in the letter to the Galatians (3:11), where, in a nod to today’s Gospel, Paul writes: “It is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because ‘The righteous will live by faith’.”
Paul’s message is a reminder that God’s favour and righteousness cannot be earned, whether by strict adherence to the law or human works. Rather, our life in God is a pure gift. (To take this stance is, of course, not to deny that laws and works are an important aspect of faithful discipleship.)
For some, like me, this lesson is a life-long one!
Further on in the same passage, Paul speaks of those who have failed to grasp this lesson as being “vain in their reasoning”. All of which puts me in mind of a wonderful Thomas Merton quote about faith and being led without knowing:
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end … But I believe that … you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, will I trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”
John Kleinsman lives in Wellington. He is married to Kerry and works in the field of bioethics. His involvement with the Passionists goes back to 1992, nurtured through an ongoing involvement with Passionist Family Groups in New Zealand. He is a lay member of the Passionist Formation Commission.