All those who rely on the works of the Law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone is cursed who does not keep on doing all the things that have been written in the Law scroll.  11 But since no one is made righteous by the Law as far as God is concerned, it is clear that the righteous one will live on the basis of faith. 12 The Law isn’t based on faith; rather, the one doing these things will live by them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us—because it is written, Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.” Galatians 3:10-13

“The most important, the most real, and lasting work of the Christian is accomplished in the depths of His [Her] own soul. It cannot be seen by anyone, even by him/herself. It is known only to God. This work is not so much a matter of fidelity to visible and general standards, as of faith: the interior, anguished, almost desperately solitary act by which we affirm out total subjection to God by grasping his word and his revelation of his will in the inmost depths of our being, as well as in obedience to the authority constituted by him. Our faith is then a total surrender to Christ which places all our hopes in him…” (Thomas Merton, “The Church Sanctifies Her Members”, Life and Holiness, p.56)

So often I encounter people of the church who are busy with their works in the church. They serve on committees, volunteer with ministries, and sing in the choir. They spend many of their waking, free hours serving—but too little of their time in reflection. At least, that is what I suspect. They accomplish much in the church, but leave the work of their souls lacking. Let me ask you, what nourishes your soul? We must be fed with the word, with the sacraments, and with with mutual fellowship of our brothers and sisters in Christ. I believe this is where our souls are nourished and where we receive Grace. Look, how we feed our bodies matters, for life now—and how we feed our spiritual bodies matters for life now, and for eternity.

Pastor Dave