Word to the Wise
Friday, October 13, 2006 - 27th Friday in Ordinary Time
[Galatians 3:7-14 and Luke 11:15-26]Brothers and sisters: Realize that is those who have faith who are children of Abraham.
Much of the Letter to the Galatians is about some "judaizers" who tried to convince (and apparently succeeded to some degree) t the community to return to the observance of the Mosaic law as necessary for salvation. This accounts for Paul's very strong words to them in yesterday's first scripture: "Oh stupid Galatians! Who has bewitched you....?" He then appeals to a source earlier than Moses, namely Abraham! He appeals to Abraham's faith, which was considered to be what "justified" him in the sight of God. This was long before the Mosaic law came into being! That's why he says, as quoted above, that all who have faith are children of Abraham. This puts us in the same boat with Jews AND Moslems! They consider Abraham a "father in faith" as well! Some would say, "Well, not quite the same boat! After all, we accept Jesus as the Messiah, and they don't." True, true, but that doesn't settle the question. One must read the document from Vatican II, NOSTRA AETATE which appeals to the common origin in faith that is Abraham as a source for sharing, and not for judgment! The mystery of God's working through any other religious group is one that Christians have a tough time living with, but we must let God be God and continue to uphold our faith in God's action through Jesus, which we believe saves all persons who explicitly or implicitly seek to follow God's law. AMEN
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