Reformation Sunday- Romans 3:28

Some Christians observe the last Sunday in October in remembrance of the Reformation. On 31 October 1517, Martin Luther posted the Ninety-five Theses for debate about these issues. Luther and other Reformers rediscovered the neglected Scriptural teaching that pardon and justification come to us by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. One key verse where we find this teaching is in Romans 3::28, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (KJV). 

Fallen human beings cannot earn pardon or justification. Only God's grace and forgiving mercy can save us from sin. Divine grace and mercy have been expressed in many ways, primarily through the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. He humbled Himself, came into this world, lived, taught, suffered, died, and arose from the dead in order to conquer sin and death and to redeem us. 

Sometimes, Anglicans claim their tradition is "reformed catholic," but it is not always clear what they mean by this expression. From a historical point of view, considering Anglicanism as "reformed catholic" seems to mean acknowledging Lutheran influence. Martin Luther and other 16th-century Reformers rediscovered the biblical, catholic, and evangelical faith taught by Scripture and the early Church, and the English Reformation accepted these basic insights. The English Reformers tried to apply Luther's insights in an English context. They showed respect for both the ancient Catholic tradition and the evangelical insights of Luther and his followers.

Contemporary Anglicans should acknowledge this Reformation heritage. Anglicanism without the influence of Luther and other Reformers is not a distinctive form of Christianity. So on another anniversary of the Reformation, let us reaffirm that justification comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This central teaching of the Bible is the basis for being truly catholic and truly reformed.  And this faith should be a living reality in our daily life and devotion! 

Trinity XXI- John 4:46-54

The Gospel for the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity comes from John 4:46-54.  A "nobleman" or "official" wants Jesus to come and heal his critically ill son. Perhaps surprisingly, our Lord does not agree to come. Instead, He comments on the excessive popular desire for outward signs and assures the man that his son will be healed and live. 

There are many different ways that God's healing power and grace work through Jesus Christ.  On this occasion, our Lord makes a striking point. He notes the excessive human dependence on signs and wonders. Of course, Jesus Christ does perform many signs and wonders, and they are a real and important expression of His work. However, human beings have tendencies to become too focused on dramatic externals and to ignore the underlying essentials: the power of the divine word and the response of faith. In this healing, there is simply a word from Jesus, a declaration that the father's prayer for his son is answered.  To this word, the official responds in faith. This encounter serves to teach us that God in Christ can use various means to reach out in His grace. And sometimes, as in this case, we simply need to have faith in Christ and His word.