30 November 2021
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
From Romans 10:9-18, NRSV
For Paul, a devout Jew, it was difficult to come to terms with the fact that his own people did not recognise Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s redemption. However, Paul saw that something could come from this since it meant that it provided an opportunity for the redemption of the gentiles. In today’s reading, we hear Paul explaining to the community in Rome which consisted of both Jews and gentiles, that there is no distinction in the scriptures between Jew and Greek. All who were ready to profess their faith in Christ, no matter what they had previously believed, would be saved. Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle who is thought to have travelled extensively and bringing the message of Christ to all who were ready to receive it.
- How do you suppose the gentiles at the time of Paul felt when told they had an equal claim to salvation?
- How can we help to take the message of salvation to those who have not heard it?
Pray today for the people of Scotland, Greece and Russia for who Andrew is a patron saint.
