Homily: Twenty-eighth Tuesday of Ordinary Time
Twenty-eighth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Rm. 1:16-25) “Justified by Faith”
The first two verses that we read from the Letter to the Romans this morning gives a synopsis of all Paul’s teaching. Paul talks about two central ideas. One idea is salvation and the other is justification.
When we think of salvation, we often concentrate on the belief that there is life after death. But Paul’s teaching about salvation revolves around much more than that. He says the Christian message is like a medicine for the soul. If we live the tenants of the gospel then we will find a healthy way of being. That means the Christian salvation comes not at the end of our life, but it begins when we commit to believing in Jesus.
When Jesus speaks of justification, he is not using it in terms we would use. We quite often feel like we justify ourselves. When we are faced with choices in our life that are difficult how often we want to paint ourselves in the best possible light. We talk about the course we have taken, and we try to explain why we did what we did. If we make a good argument, we feel proud of what we have accomplished.
But we read in Romans how God has justified us. The way we might interpret that is we may say that God looks at our lives. When God does, the Lord affirms our behavior and the choices we have made.
This is not what Paul meant. When God justifies us, it means that he treats us as his sons and daughters. A parent is, most often, patient and forgiving toward a child. A good parent will love their child no matter what they do. Because a son or daughter knows they are accepted for who they are, that they never lose their parents affection this gives a sense of justification.
Paul speaks of this concept in this way. We are saved and justified; therefore, we can leave fear behind. A faith filled Christian can feel secure today and for all eternity.
Reflection Questions:
- How do I view justification? Do I try to always prove myself to others?
- What if I did not have to worry about justifying myself? What if I turned justification over to God?
Dear Parishioners,
Next Monday we will begin our parish mission with Fr. Britto Berchmans. Sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. Fr. Britto will be here for the Sunday Masses this weekend to introduce himself. He will also offer a session on Monday morning after the 8 a.m. Mass on transitioning into retirement. Since Fr. Britto just retired this summer, he has personal experience on this subject. On Monday we will also offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation after the evening’s activities.
We are arranging to have Fr. Britto’s talks live streamed as well. It should be safe to come to the evening sessions, but if you do want to watch from home you can do that as well.
May Our Lady and all the angels and saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark
P.S. Remember to turn in your TTT pledges as soon as you can. We are making great progress.