21st AUGUST 2025 – SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

Justification by Faith Alone [Galatians 2:16-21] | Scandia Bible Church

FRIDAY, TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Pius X

Jgs 11:29-39 Ps 40:5,7-10 Mt 22:1-14

FAITH ALONE!

“In sorrow and suffering, go straight to God with confidence, and you will be strengthened, enlightened, and instructed,” says St. John of the Cross. Both Jephthah and the guests invited to the wedding feast lacked the faith to trust in God’s divine plan. Instead, they trusted in their own human plans. But as followers of Christ, we have a great future ahead of us. Every day, Jesus assures us that if we submit to His holy will, we will be victorious and take our place in the heavenly kingdom. Whenever we face sorrow or suffering, we need only go to Him with hearts full of confidence. Whenever we struggle with our own plans, we need only surrender them to Him. He will surely strengthen us, enlighten us, and instruct us on what to do.

Instead of trusting in our plans, as Jephthah did, we must joyfully sing like the psalmist, who finds delight in doing God’s will. Instead of ending in regret, as Jephthah did, we should gladly accept the wedding invitation our Lord extends to each of us. It is a great honour to be invited as His guest. And, He Himself makes us worthy to attend this wedding feast. He even provides the wedding garment – His own righteousness. Let us, then, accept this gift from Him so we may join in this glorious celebration. Let us offer no excuses but stand ready. The enticements of the world may tempt us to make excuses, yet the Lord patiently waits. Like the king in the parable, our Lord invites everyone without distinction. All are equal in His sight. Yet only those who accept His invitation with faith will partake of the feast He has prepared. It is not by our merits, lineage, or connections that we earn a place at this banquet, but through faith alone.

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

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