WE ARE JUSTICED BY FAITH
The theme for our meditation today is: We are Justified by Faith. Saint Paul says this statement to emphasize that faith is the foundation of our lives and the main motivation that makes us aiming the highest in the plan of our salvation. He contrasted this with the principle of order in society, namely the law. In essence, we are justified because of our faith, and not because we live out and obey the laws that exist both in our country and in our culture.
Seeing in this perspective, are there two principles of truth that guide our lives? Yes, they are. There is the established truth made from the study and interpretation of the commandments of God. The certainty of this law depends mostly on the experts. This law has its limits, therefore, when someone who deliberately goes beyond the limits, he would definitely be judged and condemned. This trial can be made different from one person to another. One trial can also be in conflict with another trial. A trial can also be motivated by unfair and unjust interests. If we humans depend our lives only on the truth of the law, even until our death we remain fear and doubt on the credibility of the law.
The believers who depend their lives on God are those who are more fortunate. They live in the truth of faith. In this truth, Jesus Christ is the center of our attention. We are justified because of our faith in Christ. He is the fullness of the whole law, as the one who speaks and teaches us how to really reach perfection. Before He came into the world, there had been many prophecies about Him, as the today’s Gospel reading says.
Then He came into the world and bestowed faith on those who accept it. He still accompanies His people in the Church even though He had returned to Heaven. The truth of faith really consists of all God's providence to us without limit. If there are some members of the Church have intentionally or unintentionally strayed from the way of the Lord Jesus, this truth of faith provides the gifts of mercy and compassion for them. Those who have sinned and have fallen far away can be welcomed back, and they will rejoice at being justified by faith.
However, in this world we have never rejected the truth of the law that governs social and civil life. Often we become bored and disappointed because of the limitations of the truth of the law. But in this case we can still use the truth of faith which is the source of our mental and spiritual strength, so that we can endure all the sacrifices like Jesus Christ did in His life. This reveals the very basic truth of faith.
Let's pray. In the name of the Father... In Your hands that governs our lives, O God, may we always hold on to the truth of our faith in Jesus Christ, Your Son and our Lord. Hail Mary full of grace... In the name of the Father...
