The Holy Venerable-Martyr Febronia
Romans 3:28-4:3; Matthew 7:24-8:4
Apostles’ Fast.
Read Romans 3:28-4:3
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
St. Paul shows us today in our reading that the Lord is the God of all, not simply the Jewish people, but also the Gentiles. Circumcision was essential as a sign of the covenant with God, but in the New Covenant in Christ, the Lord’s plan includes peoples of all nations. St. Paul argues that Abraham’s obedience and faith (righteousness) came before his circumcision and therefore he was justified by faith which was attributed to him as righteousness.
St. John Chrysostom comments: The Master proclaimed that Abraham was just because he outran the weakness of his human nature. He strained with his whole mind toward the power of him who had made the promise.”