Based on Grace

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today emphasize the fundamental importance of grace, the free and loving action of the Divine in our growth in relationship with God. Paul refers to the promises made by God to Abraham with are for all peoples and not just those "under the Law". Observance of the Law is not the path to being righteous with God. The faith of Abraham which gave him the trust to "hope against hope" is both a gift of God and the means by which Abraham is in right relationship with God. The psalmist praises the joy and and singing of the people who have been saved by the graciousness of the Lord. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the disciple to be courageous as they acknowledge Him to others. The Holy Spirit, the love between the Father and Son which resonates with our indwelling Spirit sustains our witness and give us words to speak to those who attack the Son of Man. This Spirit like Grace itself is the nature of God.