Observances that
Lead to Salvation
Fr. John F. Cheriavely
All the religious observances
of believers need not lead them to salvation. It is from the fruit produced
in the believers by these observances and customs that we are able to discern
whether they are salvific or not. Circumcision was an observance that was
prevalent during the time of St. Paul. Some of them believed that because
they were circumcised they would be saved. But St. Paul wrote, "Circumcision
indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your
circumcision has become uncircumcision" (Rom.2:25). True circumcision is
circumcision of the heart (Rom. 2:29). It is revealed in good acts. Circumcision
that does not produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit like love, joy, peace
and patience (Gal 5:22) is useless. It will not lead anyone to salvation.
St. Paul reminds us, "to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory
and honour and immortality, he will give eternal life "(Rom. 2:7).
Even a circumcised Jew, if
he does evil, is not acceptable before God. Another man may not have undergone
circumcision. But if he does good he will attain honour and peace in the
sight of God (Rom. 2:9-10).
The case of the law is also
similar. There are several people who live according to the law though
they have not studied any law. They will attain salvation; others may know
all about the law but do not observe it. The former are those who will
be pleasing to God. Many are the people who think they are good believers
because they faithfully observe certain customs and regulations. Let them
examine themselves. Are their works good ? If their actions are good, observances
of customs and regulations are beneficial. Are those practices and observanes
helpful in making us do good ? Do they lead us to forgive others and to
love them?