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Thursday, October 15, 2009

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St. Teresa of Jesus


Romans 3:21-30
Psalm 130:1-6
Luke 11:47-54

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the joy of justification by faith

"We hold that a man is justified by faith apart from observance of the law." —Romans 3:28

Our justification, redemption, atonement, expiation, and salvation work "through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe" (Rm 3:22). Therefore:

  • "All depends on faith, everything is grace" (Rm 4:16).
  • We should ask the Lord to give us a deeper faith in Him (Lk 17:5).
  • We don't have to try to do the impossible by saving ourselves (Is 26:18; Ps 49:8).
  • We are no longer under the curse of having to obey the Law without the power to do it (Gal 3:10; Rm 7:18).
  • The pressure's not on us, for His yoke is easy and His burden light (Mt 11:30).
  • We can't take credit for being saved. Our boasting is ruled out by the law of faith (Rm 3:27).
  • We must let God's salvation be done in our lives (see Lk 1:38), although we don't have to do it ourselves.
  • We should be forever thankful to the Lord for saving us.
  • We should love people enough to tell them the good news of salvation.
  • "Let us rejoice and be glad that He has saved us!" (Is 25:9)

"My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my Savior" (Lk 1:46).

Prayer:  Father, may I tell at least one person each day the good news of salvation in Christ.

Promise:  "All men are now undeservedly justified by the gift of God, through the redemption wrought in Christ Jesus." —Rm 3:24

Praise:  It was the death of St. Teresa's mother that led Teresa to discover her vocation at age twelve.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 3, 2009

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