We hear from Paul’s Letter to the Romans in the Epistle reading for today’s Daily Office. Paul writes:
For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rm. 10:11-13).
Some time ago, I was part of a team teaching Adult Christian Formation at a large parish in Houston. One of the courses was on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. I recall a few people who found it difficult to accept today’s passage. They said that if salvation is simply a matter of belief, then we can do what we want and are free to sin boldly. They reasoned, “I could, if I wanted to, commit a murder but believe and be saved.” I could see where they were coming from; but, I think a little more reflection may be necessary.
It is a matter of being in a relationship. God is in a relationship with us. If we truly love God, and believe with all that we are in God’s saving grace, then acting out of our love for God, we will desire to do God’s will. We will want to live as Christ would have us live because we love Him. We would not want to do anything that would offend the very one who died and rose for us so that we might dwell in the presence of God not just in this life, but in the life to come. Our actions follow our beliefs. If I love God and put my trust in God, I will not engage in acts like murder.
Certainly, as in any relationship, there are times when we will fall short, but we do not actively seek to fall short. We do not seek to do evil. We will, however, make mistakes, and when we do, God forgives us and welcomes us back. God understands what it is like to be human, to make mistakes, because of the miracle of the Incarnation; Jesus Christ is true God and true man.
Let us pray: Loving Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to live our lives and who gave us salvation so that we might be one with You. Send Your Holy Spirit to enable us to call upon the name of Christ as we serve You in all that we meet. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS:
Adult Christian Formation: We’re back on track for Adult Christian Formation with our series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.
Feeding Volunteers at William Temple: On Thursday, 15 July at 6:00 p.m. we will feed 40 volunteers at William Temple. We have a reputation now with the volunteers on providing some of the best meals.
PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially for Russ Viska who is having a double bypass on July 14; for Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue recovers from brain surgery; for the continued recovery of Roylene Lemons; for Baby Hayden who is now home and for his mother, Clarrissa. Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially Angela Lemons’ son, Lewis, and the Taylor’s son, Brian, who is in San Diego awaiting new orders. Let us pray for all those who are traveling. Let us remember those who celebrate birthdays, Bill Taylor (8 July), and Meaghan Martinez (11 July). This weekend, let us also pray in thanksgiving for the life of Doug Tuthill.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rm. 10:11-13).
Some time ago, I was part of a team teaching Adult Christian Formation at a large parish in Houston. One of the courses was on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. I recall a few people who found it difficult to accept today’s passage. They said that if salvation is simply a matter of belief, then we can do what we want and are free to sin boldly. They reasoned, “I could, if I wanted to, commit a murder but believe and be saved.” I could see where they were coming from; but, I think a little more reflection may be necessary.
It is a matter of being in a relationship. God is in a relationship with us. If we truly love God, and believe with all that we are in God’s saving grace, then acting out of our love for God, we will desire to do God’s will. We will want to live as Christ would have us live because we love Him. We would not want to do anything that would offend the very one who died and rose for us so that we might dwell in the presence of God not just in this life, but in the life to come. Our actions follow our beliefs. If I love God and put my trust in God, I will not engage in acts like murder.
Certainly, as in any relationship, there are times when we will fall short, but we do not actively seek to fall short. We do not seek to do evil. We will, however, make mistakes, and when we do, God forgives us and welcomes us back. God understands what it is like to be human, to make mistakes, because of the miracle of the Incarnation; Jesus Christ is true God and true man.
Let us pray: Loving Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to live our lives and who gave us salvation so that we might be one with You. Send Your Holy Spirit to enable us to call upon the name of Christ as we serve You in all that we meet. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS:
Adult Christian Formation: We’re back on track for Adult Christian Formation with our series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.
Feeding Volunteers at William Temple: On Thursday, 15 July at 6:00 p.m. we will feed 40 volunteers at William Temple. We have a reputation now with the volunteers on providing some of the best meals.
PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially for Russ Viska who is having a double bypass on July 14; for Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue recovers from brain surgery; for the continued recovery of Roylene Lemons; for Baby Hayden who is now home and for his mother, Clarrissa. Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially Angela Lemons’ son, Lewis, and the Taylor’s son, Brian, who is in San Diego awaiting new orders. Let us pray for all those who are traveling. Let us remember those who celebrate birthdays, Bill Taylor (8 July), and Meaghan Martinez (11 July). This weekend, let us also pray in thanksgiving for the life of Doug Tuthill.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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