Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs

Lectionary: 472

It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift…

Observing “the Law” is mostly about staying out of trouble, keeping your nose clean, CYA. It bears little resemblance to the faithful obedience of Jesus.

Saint Paul saw that more clearly each day as he announced the Gospel. He just kept getting in more trouble. Gentiles jailed him; Jews stoned him, and Christians denounced him. He went so far as to quarrel openly with (Pope) Saint Peter. His denunciation of pagan idols threatened to ruin the economy in Ephesus so they ran him out of town. On one occasion he slipped away from the hostile mob by a basket lowered from the city wall.

Not that he intended to make trouble. He was not an angry young man with issues or a rebel without a cause. He had no need to make his mark in the world, and he certainly wasn't sewing wild oats. 

The Apostle, impelled by the Spirit of God, was commissioned to announce a facet of the Gospel that no one else saw as clearly, that salvation comes through faith and not observance of the law. 

So what is faith? Is it simply believing that Jesus is the Christ? That may be a good start but it can take a long time for that opinion to move from head to heart. Some people may be ready to give their lives for their opinions but, to paraphrase Saint Paul, they have not love. 

The faith of which he speaks, that Jesus demanded of his disciples, is life in the Holy Spirit. The disciple is guided day by day and year by year by the gentle, whispering sound of God's voice. This faith is not simply believing that.... It is fidelity to the person of Jesus. It is ready obedience and eager willingness to take up the cross daily and follow in his steps.  

My sister Janet,
an original

This faith is not taught; it is caught like a contagion from the Church which is animated by God's spirit. Some people, like Paul of Tarsus, will be courageous leaders and original thinkers. Most of us will be faithful followers, and grateful for the opportunity to take a place in the glory-bound train.