DAILY HOMILIES #justified

St. Paul points out in today’s First Reading that we are justified by faith, not by the Law, having been freed from the Law’s curse. However, our faith demands that we hear and keep God’s words. We keep God’s words because we love Him, not because we hope to justify ourselves. We keep God’s word because we are His children, not because we seek payment like workers (who hate their master but obey him to earn their salary).

Why is it easy to exercise restraint when others are watching, yet when we are alone (or think no one is watching), we throw caution to the wind? This was the problem of scribes and Pharisees. Jesus told them: “Nothing is hidden that would not be uncovered… even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Are there things I do in secret that I am ashamed of?

By saying that “all have sinned,” St. Paul is not saying we should glory in our sinfulness. He emphasises that we must avoid boasting, feeling superior to others, and looking down on others. “Are we any better off?” St. Paul asks, “No, not at all; for we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin.” (Romans 3:9).