Faith works for me

The Gospel of Luke in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today presents the deepening conflict between Jesus criticism of the history of inappropriate action and observance in the name of religion and the sensibilities of the scribes, Pharisees and lawyers who understand Jesus to be attacking their way and power. Those who proclaim an understanding of how to be righteous with God bear a large responsibility for the people who may be lead astray and into practices which might serve those prescribing the action than those who participate. Paul declares in the Letter to the Romans that "a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the Law" The debate about the role of "good works" in justification is a significant part of Christian theological discussion. We are made aware by Paul that we all have fallen short and like the psalmist we cry to the Lord not to mark our iniquities but to welcome us into a righteous relationship which we do not deserve by virtue of Divine forgiveness.