The early Church was a Church of martyrs. Peter, Paul, James (Acts 12:2), Stephen (Acts 7:58ff), and so many famous and nameless others gave their lives for love of Jesus. Why did they love Jesus so much? It was not because they were so great but because of God's great grace (Eph 2:8-9).

We all are inadequate to live the heroism of life in Christ, but God's grace is sufficient to make His power perfect in us in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9). "Despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it, so that, as sin reigned through death, grace may reign by way of justice leading to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rm 5:20-21). We are privileged to live in the reign of grace.

However, some graces are not given to us whether we like it or not. We must decide to accept grace by faith (see Eph 2:8) and works in obedience to the Lord (see Rm 1:5; Jas 2:26). As St. Augustine said, there is grace even in deciding to accept grace. Thus, our lives in Christ are surrounded by grace.

Paul often began his letters by wishing his readers "grace and peace." If we decide to live in grace, we will be like Peter and Paul. The love from grace will lead us to become heroic missionaries and martyrs, holy, selfless, and victorious children of God. Grace to you.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert A. Stricker, December 13, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 2003