“Uh-oh!  You’ve done it now!  You are in big trouble mister (miss)!  You are older and wiser now.  You’ve learned the rules.  You cannot say that you didn’t know you were doing something wrong.  Now, you are responsible for your actions!”

Sounds like someone talking to their child.  However, it can be also said to you.  You are increasing your knowledge of the gospel.  You CAN NOT plead ignorance to what the gospel says.  As St. Paul writes in this week’s readings (Romans chapters 9 and 10), you are increasing your faith by pursuing knowledge of how God wants you to live your life.  Since you know better how you should live, and as your faith grows, you are more responsible in living according to what you know and you are more responsible in sharing that faith and knowledge with others so that they too may become closer to God.

“Ahhhh, man!  You mean that even though I am receiving this wonderful gift, something that I have been working for, and continue to work toward, I am also making myself more responsible for my every action?”

YES!!!  Go forth, and live by His light and spread the word of God!

We are beginning Week 5 of our study of the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.  For this week, please read Romans, chapters 9 and 10 [Israel’s Present Rejection – Part 1 (9:1-10:21)].  In addition, please go over the questions below and feel free to share your thoughts on the Week 5 page or on the Life Giving Bread Facebook page.

Questions:

• What verse(s) stood out to you and why?
• Some people may look at the Ten Commandments and other religious laws as a measuring stick, indicating how well they are living their lives.  According to St. Paul, though, we must have FAITH to attain righteousness.  The laws are only intended to help us grow in faith.  How do you measure up? (see Romans 9:30-33)
• In regards to Romans, chapter 10, what does the chapter say about who will be saved? (see Romans 10)
• How can we help save others?  How do you help people to be saved? (see Romans 10:14-17)
• Additional Questions found in your study guide or in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – The Gospel of Romans (page 47)