PRAYER PAUSE
Friday 20 October 2017
A FAITH
THAT JUSTIFIES
Pause. Enter into the stillness
of God within.
Reading: “Abraham put his faith in
God, and this faith was considered as justifying him.” (Romans 4:1-8)
Reflection. I always find the word ‘justify’
in Paul a bit awkward. We normally use the word to explain or prove something
said or done. We ‘justify’ ourselves. Yet it is hard to think of a better word
to explain what happens when we are stretched into living in faith. All
creation exists for the sake of humanity but humanity by itself hasn’t done
very well. We admire our achievements – whether they be the three tiered Roman aquaduct
at Arles or the mobile phone in my pocket - but often they are built on the
oppression of others. It is faith that has transformed humanity and opened up
unimaginable horizons. Faith has enabled humanity to become “perfect” –
something we were made for from the beginning. Faith caps the whole purpose of
our struggles. We may feel very far from being perfect – both as individuals or
as human society. But we have a clear agenda, through faith.
Prayer. Lord, may we become people
of deep faith, ready to stretch our powers to reach for the justice and perfection you inspire in our hearts. Amen.
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