Holy Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him (Second century).
Apostles’ Fast.
Romans 3:19-26. Matthew 7:1-8.
Read Romans 3:19-26
Our reading today can be quite confusing unless we understand what St. Paul means by “the Law” when he is discussing our justification. Our forgiveness of sins does not hinge on our following the ritual purity laws of the Old Testament, but comes through a propitiation, or a buying us back from mortality, through the Cross of Christ. We are saved by the gift of Christ, or His Grace and we show this forth through living a Christ-Centered life and accepting the Crosses which He gives us, knowing that we are participating in His Cross and Resurrection.
St. John Chrysostom writes: Once more Paul jumps on the law but this time with restraint, for what he says is an accusation not against the law but against the negligence of the covenant people.… The law accomplished its task of disclosing sin to them, but then it was their duty to flee it. But since they did not flee it, they brought an even greater punishment on themselves, and the good deeds of the law have just provided an excuse for greater chastisement from God.