October 12, 2014
Justification through Faith in Christ
A reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans 3, 21 – 31:
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed, through the forbearance in the present time, that he might be righteous and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.
What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out. On what principle, that of works? No, rather on the principle of faith. For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Does God belong to Jews alone? Does he not belong to Gentiles too? Yes, also to Gentiles, for God is one and will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Are we then annulling the law by this faith? Of course not! On the contrary, we are supporting the law.
Our faith has to show itself by good works. A person who believes in Our Lord Jesus Christ will be a person of prayer. He or she will pray every day morning and evening. This person will love to pray and be with the Lord and also ask Our Blessed Mother to intercede for him or her. A believing person will also go to church on Sunday to take part in the Holy Mass. This is the greatest prayer that a Christian can take part in. It is the offering to the Heavenly Father, the sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus for our salvation. At towards the end of the Holy Mass, we can receive the Holy Eucharist, which is the living Lord under the species of bread and wine. Through the Holy Eucharist Jesus the Lord enters our hearts and comes to live with each one of us. Thank you Lord for the wonderful gift of the Holy Eucharist.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Thank God the Father, My dear brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters throughout the world, that you have faith in Me, your Lord and Redeemer. It is absolutely necessary to believe in Me so that you can be saved. Faith, however, must be seen by your good works. What good is it if you have faith but you do not pray or go to Holy Mass or you do not love your neighbors. You also need to forgive all those who have hurt you in any way and then you too will be forgiven by Our Heavenly Father.
It is not the law that justifies you before the Father but it is your faith. Because you have faith your sins are forgiven and you receive all the graces you need. The works of the law cannot do this. However, your faith can also be seen by your following of the ten commandments. With great faith, you will have the Holy Spirit and the strength to avoid sin and to do good. Come then, My friends, and follow Me by doing all that I have asked you to do. Be witnesses of Mine and pray for all those who do not have faith or those who have lost their faith. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin
P.S. We had a mostly cloudy day but no rain.