November 5, Thursday Weekday

I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.-- Psalm 27:13

Mass readings: Romans 14:7-12 / Luke 15:1-10

Grappling with Grace

The various ''free offers'' floating around in the mail have me thinking: ''That's too good to be true -- there must be a catch!'' And usually, there is! But such skepticism has no place in Christianity. At the heart of the Gospel lies grace -- the ultimate ''free offer.'' But, like all offers, it has to be accepted before it can be enjoyed.

Luke 15:1-2 introduces two groups: first, sinners who embrace the good news with joy; second, Scribes and Pharisees who not only resist God's grace, but are resentful of Jesus' acceptance of ''sinners.'' Why do we grapple so with grace? Perhaps our pride and self-sufficiency will not allow us to accept a ''free offer.'' It's only sinners who, after recognizing their utter inability to save themselves, embrace grace with unquestioning gratitude.

Prayer: Gracious God, how can I ever thank You for Your amazing, astounding grace?