The Holy Apostle James, Brother of Saint John the Theologian (c. 44)
Rank: Polyeleos
Read
Acts 4:1-10; Acts 12:1-11
John 3:16-21; Luke 5:1-11
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!
Today’s Gospel reading contains the single best known Gospel verse: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This quote has been cited as the “Gospel in a nutshell” as it reflects the Mystery of the Incarnation and Resurrection all in one. Yet, we cannot stop our reading of today’s Gospel there because we miss a crucial part of our faith if we focus only on this one verse.
Belief in God is not, nor can it be the extent of our faith: we must also act in a way that reflects in Whom we believe. The evangelist John reminds us of the importance of “good works” as an essential part of our faith in God. These good works are an incarnational extension of our faith in God.
As we continue during this Paschal season, strive to make your faith more incarnational through regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church and in your good works that are extended towards others.
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