Giving thanks in accordance with the just, good, & proper

By Steve Hall

Saturday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Romans 4:13, 16-18
Luke 12:8-12

“It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham . . . but through the righteousness that comes from faith.”

The passage we hear today, taken from Paul’s letter to the Romans, is part of a much more extended section of the letter in which he addresses at length the primacy of faith over adherence to the Law. Generally speaking, we are probably inclined to accept the truth of his teaching. It would seem, however, that the Law still holds sway in spiritual guidance and governance even today. So, let’s take a small sidestep and consider a small portion of our liturgical prayer.

As we begin the Eucharistic portion of the Mass there is a brief interchange between the priest and the congregation in which the priest says: “Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.” The response of the congregation is brief but profound: “It is right and just.” The meaning here is clear. What the congregation affirms is that “giving thanks” is in accordance with what is just, good, or proper; it conforms to the facts and to truth. When, therefore, Paul says that Abraham was given a promise from God “through the righteousness that comes from faith.” he is saying that through Abraham’s faith he was bringing himself into union with what was just, good and proper — that Abraham’s belief was in alignment with the facts, the truth of the universe.

This is an important point because the facts, the truths are these: God is one and has revealed himself to us. There are no other gods. God himself is the source and definition of holiness, truth, justice, mercy and the good. God desires that all his creation reflect his holiness, his justice and his mercy. To this end He has provided for mankind to be transformed and set free from Sin and Death. This transformation is brought about through union with his Son.

As a people seeking righteousness we configure ourselves as a people seeking to leave behind what is not of God and as a people seeking to embrace the means given for our conformity to God. The Law does not allow for this configuration as it does little more than tell us what is not of God. Moreover, no matter how clear and exacting, the Law always fails to adequately circumscribe what we call ‘grey areas.’ But with God there is no grey area. As before noted: God is, in himself the source and definition of holiness, truth, justice, mercy and the good. On the other hand, neither faith or trust have such limitations; for these place us directly and completely in the hands of God. They bring us into an immediate bond with all that is good and holy.

The Law is readily understood even if occasionally confusing in describing what should be done. Faith is the more difficult to understand yet we know (if only in the depths of our hearts) what must be done. But only in faith can we move toward the right and just.