Ember Saturday after Pentecost

EPISTLE (Rom. V. 1-5.) Brethren, Being justified by faith let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access through faith into this grace wherein we stand, and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God. And not only so, but we glory also in tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh patience: and patience trial, and trial hope, and hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us.

EXPLANATION The Catholic Church has always maintained that not faith alone, which the devils have also, but faith manifesting itself by good works, justifies man. The Catholic Church teaches this in opposition to those heretics who assert that by faith in Christ man is already justified, bringing as proof of their assertion the words of this chapter which St. Paul speaks concerning faith. The Church's doctrine in this respect is confirmed by St. Paul himself in many texts from his epistles, (I Cor. XIII. 2; I Tim. VI. 18.; Tit, III. 8.) and by the traditions of all the Fathers of the Church. - Believe in Jesus and His word, but also practise this faith in works of love, and you will be saved.

(For gospel and explanation see Thursday in the third week of Lent)