This week's Gospel reading relates the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter sinking in the same sea. I have commented on this every three years for a while now so I am going to ask my dear readers to look over this Sunday's Epistle selection, Romans 10:5-15
Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that ‘the person who does these things will live by them.’ But the righteousness that comes from faith says, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ down) ‘or “Who will descend into the abyss?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?‘The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart’(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 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.’As I write this, I am grieving the death of my father who passed away today. Grief mixed with gladness because just last year he confessed to me his belief in Jesus and that he knew that he was saved. My father was very old, and he knew that his days were numbered. Not everyone is so aware, and for that reason these verses from Romans should be kept in our minds as we interact with unbelievers.
But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?Confess out loud that Christ is Lord. The world is dying to hear it!
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My deepest sympathy on your loss. But thanks be to God that you know you will see him again!
ReplyDeleteThank you Katherine.
DeleteUGP,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your father's passing. When my father passed, it was like losing a point on my compass. I find myself doing things now that remind me of my father when he did them.
Thank Fr. Dale, I always said I did not want to be like him, but of all my siblings, I am most like him.
DeleteRomans 8:38-39: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ReplyDeleteMay I express my deepest sympathies on your father's death.
ReplyDeleteKnowing you online, I am sure he is at rest with his Lord and Saviour, especially because he passed away on a Sunday -- and raised a son like you.
I will be thinking of and praying for you and your family members in the weeks ahead.
May God continue to bless you all during this difficult time.
Churchmouse
Thank you Churchmouse. Prayers needed for the Lord to give me the words for the homily.
DeleteI have remembered you in prayer and hope the Lord sent you the right words.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Services are tomorrow. I need more right now.
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