Year C: 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Second Reading: based on St Paul’s letter to the Galatians 2: 16, 19-21

Some of the Christians in Galatia had been causing unrest saying that Paul was not a real apostle because his commission had not come directly from Jesus and that he had begun to water down some of the Jewish elements in the early Christian Church.

Paul writes back and states very clearly that he is an apostle and the Gospel he preaches is authentic.

Today’s reading highlights one of his themes - that it is faith in Jesus Christ that makes someone righteous not simply following the Law. It is, he claims, the death of Jesus that leads us to eternal life - not the Law.

This is one of the passages that has led to a few arguments since the Reformation - are we “justified” by Faith or good works? Is it enough to do what you are told without question and live a good life according to the rules? Is it enough to acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and saviour and express your faith in Him?

It is possible simply to live by “good works” without ever really thinking about the sacrifice Jesus made for us and expressing faith and love for what He did. However, one Good Friday Liturgy - or one period of prayer reflecting on the Passion and resurrection would soon put that right.

It is possible to say you have faith in Jesus as the Son of God - but then not put your words into action...and if you didn’t, who would believe what you said?

In practice, for most Christians, the two go hand-in-hand. If we believe in Jesus and acknowledge Him as our saviour - and feel the love that led Him to die for us - then, inevitably, our lives will witness to that by our actions - our “good works”.

If we try to do good because of a sense of duty whilst at the same time listening to the Word of God and celebrating the Eucharist - then, inevitably, our faith and trust in the Lord who saves us will grow.

To be a whole Christian, we need to learn to live our Faith - to express in our lives what our souls know - that Jesus lived and died and rose again so that we could have life in all its fullness - and so that we would desire the same for our brothers and sisters.

What does it mean for me?

         Text © 2006 Wellspring

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