The Holy Priest-Martyr Timothy, Bishop of Prussa (361-63)
Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 7:21-23
Apostles’ Fast
Abstinence from meat and foods that contain meat
Read Romans 4:13-25
In today’s reading St. Paul compares Faith and the Law in order to better understand which is more important. He wants us to understand that no person can ever be justified before God no matter what kind of works we uphold; in other words, we are not able to earn our salvation. The law that is in our hearts or the one written in the Old Testament is given to us as a guide and a precursor to the coming of Christ. The Law convicts us and shows us our guilt—through it, we understand that we are transgressors and in desperate need of a Saviour. This is the extent of what the Law is able to do for us.
Faith, on the other hand, is “the gift of God’s mercy, so that those who have been made guilty by the law may obtain forgiveness.” (Commentary on Pauls Epistles CSEL 81:139, 141, Ambrosiaster). Through faith, we receive the free outpouring and abundant Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The way of faith is the way of joy, forgiveness, reconciliation to our Heavenly Father. The way of faith unites us to the Saviour Mankind and makes us children of God; therefore, restoring our ancient dignity. For this reason, we ought to do everything with Faith and allow it to always be our guiding light.