Verbs Designate Action
Dear Apostle Paul seems to be telling us: “Don’t just sit there. Do Something!” He ends up his list of suggestions of what we ought to do by explaining that we overcome evil by doing good things.
Diversity Pleases God
The church is the body of Christ, teaches the Apostle Paul. For that reason we each have our specific function. In church all are needed, all belong. All bring their gifts and contribute for the common good in proportion to their faith.
God Loves Everyone!
All three Bible readings appointed for today teach that our God wants to save everyone! In Isaiah, he calls his temple a house of prayer for all peoples. In Romans, Paul addresses the Gentiles. In Matthew, our Lord heals a Caanite woman, one not belonging to Israel.
Jesus in our Boat!
Jesus did not only walk on water, but he also got into the disciples’ boat. He also performs miracles in our life. He also gets into our boat, calms our fears, heals our ills and grants us peace.
Saved by Grace. Simple
Paul anguishes over his kinsmen because they could not let go of their tradition to embrace Jesus Christ. They reject Jesus and so are not saved. All the great things God did for them were only means pointing to Christ. They, however, loved those means more than the message.
The Charges are Dropped
Paul hammered away on the power of the Gospel. He reminds us that “in all things” God works for the good of those who love. On the other hand, he says that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.