|
|
||||||
|
In praying over the liturgical readings of the day, it is helpful to find a common 'thread' or link between the epistle and the gospel, and then to ask how this theme applies to my own life. In the first reading of today, Paul uses Abraham and Moses to contrast two ways of seeking salvation. For Pharisaic Judaism, Moses, the greatest Old Testament figure, symbolized the Law. Observing the Mosaic Law was, for them, the only way to be justified in God's eyes. Hence the Gentiles - non-Jews who did not know or observe the Mosaic Law- could not be saved. Paul, himself a devout Pharisee before his conversion, uses Abraham, who lived some 700 years before the Law was given to Moses, as a symbol of justification - not by the works of the law but by faith in God. The central theme of both Romans and Galatians is that justification and salvation is God's pure gift, not merited by any good works of ours. In the Gospel, though, Jesus appeals to His works of healing and exorcism as a clear sign that the power of God is at work in Him. Would Paul disagree? No! In Romans 6, Paul stresses that our works are valuable, but NOT as a means of earning God's favour. Rather, these good works are our thanksgiving to God for grace freely and antecedently given. Lord, thank You for drawing me to Your side always. |
|
- END -
P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
| INTENTION : |
That young married couples may be sustained by the example and assistance of their parents and other families
|
|
The testimony and help that parents and other families must offer to sustain young married couples finds its place in the ambit of post-matrimonial pastoral care. Parents and other families are the most suited to offer this assistance to young spouses because clearly they have lived personally the values which they must transmit. These parents show faithfulness through living in the best possible way the commitments assumed during their marriage. One could ask, but why is it necessary for young couples to be sustained by the testimony of their parents and other families? The answer is, because today there are many negative attitudes which scandalise and discourage young people. Being new to the condition of matrimonial life they need advice, encouragement, moral support, correction and prayer. They cannot be left alone or abandoned in this phase of their lives. Couples need to take advantage of the wealth of the experience and wisdom of their parents. "The pastoral action of the Church must be progressive, also in the sense that it must accompany the family, following it step by step in the various stages of its formation and development," (Familiaris Consortio n65, 69). | |
|
- END - | |