THIS Sunday’s Gospel [Mark 8:27-35] serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of our Faith life, which is not just a belief, but a call to action: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me”. The subsequent verse of the Gospel clarifies: For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it”. Here, Jesus (the true savior) meant the act of identifying with our Lord and putting others before ourselves. Without the works that stem from such a commitment, if we cling to others, such as ourselves or wealth, “our faith” is dead. The self-giving works that emanate from a genuine following of Jesus are the living proof of a vibrant faith.
What is the relationship of a life-giving faith and one’s works of Charity? St. James is well aware that proper conduct can only come with an authentic faith commitment to God (James 2:18 & 26). St. Paul, too, understands the implications of true faith for a life of love and generosity (see Galations 5:6,13–15). Also, he insisted that such works are essential to the authentic life of faith (Romans chapters 12-14) which are all about the Christian obligation to exercise one’s gifts for the building up of the community. Our deeds of charity are the implementation of God’s mandate to love one’s neighbor.
Fra. Francis Victor Mateo, OFM Conventual
September 15, 2024