Without good work our faith is empty

Without good work our faith is empty

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Jam. 2:14-24.26, Mk 8:34-9:1. The saying that "if we work for nothing, nothing will work for us" is a call to practical Christianity. In practical Christianity, our faith cannot be empty and devoid of good and concrete actions, or good works based on that faith, because without those works, our faith is truly empty, meaningless and dead. That is the essence of today's first reading, that faith without good works is the same as having a dead faith, which is meaningless and pointless to us, as it does not lead us towards God but instead to eternal damnation like those who have sinned, disobeyed God and refused to repent from their sins. For faith, by itself, without the backing of concrete action, is no better than just formality or even hypocrisy. God sees a brighter future and a truer holiness in people whose hearts are sincere and honest than in those who put on a fine display while failing to really do what is needed. A man can always express sympathy for his needy neighbours, while doing nothing to meet their actual needs. “What good is that?” James asks, trenchantly. If we set aside all pious camouflage and reach out a helping hand to our neighbour in need, we are carrying the cross in the way Jesus tells us in today's Gospel. To stand by someone in need is to follow the way of Jesus a friend of sinners and outcast. This is what He means by losing one’s life in order to save it; and in so doing we will get a glimpse of the true “kingdom of God.” but that we must be genuine in our desire to follow God and His ways at every moment of our lives. We are called to be His witnesses in our respective places, to proclaim His glory and truth by our lives, lived with faith and true dedication and not just faith in name only but in concrete good act. May the Lord give us the strength to strive to dedicate ourselves to God with a newfound zeal and strength! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!

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