RBWords

     The last line of this quote from the Letter to the Romans could arguably be termed one of the most influential in Christian history.  It inspired Martin Luther to nail his list of theological propositions to the door of the cathedral in Wurtemburg in 1517 which was the spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation!  Luther's concern for his own salvation led him to protest the abuse of indulgences as some form of guarantee of salvation but the movement blossomed much further and resulted in the multitude of Christian denominations that we see today.

     That being said, what DOES St. Paul have to say to us about faith?  It is a response to a revelation from God.  I like what Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis co-wrote in LUMEN FIDEI when they described faith as a response to a love greater than any other love we could imagine.  Nevertheless, this faith calls us to a relationship of obedience to that revelation of love.  It is a revelation to the whole world, not just to Jews but to "Greeks," (Paul's word for all non-believers in God).  As such, Paul is not shy to condemn idolatry and behavior that are contradictory to that revelation.  After giving some graphic examples, he sums up by saying: "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator...."

     That strong language should not discourage us from moving on in this magnificent epistle, recognizing that it has influenced Roman Catholic theology deeply,  In the Latin church, St. Augustine would be a big example of this.  Again, I urge the Beloved Congregation to read the whole epistle because the lectionary tends to divide things up a bit.  Be prepared to ask yourself about your own faith.  AMEN