Our Venerable Father Pimen.
Galatians 2:21-3:7. Mark 6:1-7.
Read Galatians 2:21-3:7
St. Paul reminds us that following the law alone isn’t enough to bring about our salvation. If keeping rules could save us, then Jesus wouldn’t have needed to die on the cross. But this doesn’t mean that the laws and guidelines the Church gives us are pointless. They serve a different purpose—they help us grow in our relationship with God.
When Paul talks about “the law,” he’s referring to the many rules the Jewish people followed, like what to eat, how to dress, and how to perform certain rituals. As Christians, we aren’t bound by these specific practices, but we do follow the Ten Commandments and other teachings of the Church. So, what’s the point of these laws if they can’t save us?
The Church’s guidelines, like fasting or attending services, aren’t there to limit our freedom or burden us. Instead, they’re meant to guide us on how to live better lives and grow in holiness. For example, fasting isn’t just about giving up food—it’s about teaching us discipline and reminding us to rely on God. Going to church isn’t just something to check off a list; it’s an opportunity to connect with God and be part of a community that supports our faith.
Paul’s message is clear: rules by themselves don’t save us, but they help point us in the right direction—toward Jesus. The Church’s teachings and practices are tools to help us live out our faith more fully. They’re not just obligations; they’re opportunities to grow closer to God.
So, as we go through our day, let’s remember that these practices are here to help us, not to burden us. They’re ways to keep us on the path to becoming more like Christ. When we follow them with the right heart, we open ourselves up to God’s grace, which is what truly transforms us.