Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk

Many people are involved in the service that each of us offers to God. None of us can exercise our life of faith alone. Thanks be to God for the help he gives us.

Paul’s approach to the Romans is an attempt to introduce himself to those who are already in touch with Christ so that they will be familiar with him when his travels bring him to Rome.

Saint Paul tells us that it’s not up to us to judge the value of someone else’s religious observances. That’s God’s prerogative. Serving him is what’s important.

We are called to pay a price for our discipleship just as Jesus’ first disciples were. Our price may not require heroic self-sacrifice, but it does demand consistent, hard-nosed dedication.

The condition of the departed is not meaningless. They are at peace and enjoy the hope of immortality. God looks after them just as he will look after us.

Today’s First Reading describes a vision of a multitude beyond number. They stand before God praising and thanking him for the salvation that he has conferred on them all.

The Jews’ rejection of Jesus has served as a vehicle to awaken the Gentiles to what God is offering them in Jesus. Israel’s unbelief is being used to awaken the light of faith among the Gentiles.