they do not know

Friday, January 07, 2011
Weekday

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

1 John 5:5-13 Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20 Luke 5:12-16

Psalm 147:20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the LORD!

There are many who feel uncomfortable being too "nationalistic" about our Christian faith. We often hear that the truths are contained in other religions as well and that God deals with other nations equally. Well, while we are called to witness and minister to other nations we cannot assume that they have the same truth that we have. We cannot assume that they are even able, in their current condition, to think and reason as we do. God has revealed himself in Christ and this is exclusive. There is no other name by which we must be saved. It is belief in Christ as the son of God that is the sign that we have eternal life.

It is OK to be bold about our faith and to admit that other religions do not have the truth. Not only OK, but imperative. We must be committed to this and not waver. If we give credibility to any other religion that does not claim that Jesus is the son of God and in him alone we have life, then we make God a liar.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to be fully committed to the truth and to not fear man but You alone.

Amen