Moment of Meditation: Called by the Gospel (Romans 10:14)

Original Broadcast: February 2009

Monthly Theme: Holy Spirit (Apostles' Creed)

But how are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
(Romans 10:14)

Called by the Gospel

St. Paul goes through this series of questions throughout the last half of Romans 10. He leads this through the conclusion: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (v17). The series begins with the assurance from the prophet Joel: "Everyone who calls on the name of YHWH will be saved" (2:32). Paul's logical chain of questions is brought about by this promise. How can salvation happen without belief? How can belief happen without hearing someone preaching? Preaching is only good if the Holy Spirit is present.

The Word of God still brings faith today through the Sacraments as the Word of God is added to the physical element. Augustine's definition of the Sacrament shows the greatness and effectiveness of the Word of God on a daily basis. In the Sacraments we receive the forgiveness of sins that allows us to call on the name of YHWH and so be saved. That Word comes through the Holy Spirit as it is proclaimed and read to us and by us.

Have you heard the Word of God? Do you believe the Word of God? If so, take its own promise that it is a wealth of knowledge that even a lifetime of study will not reach the bottom. Pick it up today and see just how deep it is. Amen.