Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost. Sunday Before the Elevation of the Cross. [Gal. 6:11-18; John 3:13-17]

   As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. Faith in the Son of God, crucified in the flesh for our sake—is the power of God unto salvation, the living source of vivifying moral aspirations and dispositions, and the receptacle of the abundant grace of the Holy Spirit which abides always in the heart, and of secret inspirations in good time, at the hour of need, sent from above. Faith combines one’s convictions, attracting God’s good will with power from above. Both of these are what make up the possession of eternal life. While this life is kept intact, a Christian is unyielding, because by cleaving to the Lord he is one in spirit with the Lord, and nothing can overcome the Lord. Why do people fall? From weakening of faith. Christian convictions weaken—and moral energy weakens as well. While this weakening occurs, grace is crowded out of the heart, and evil urges raise their head. An inclination toward these urges comes at a convenient hour, and there is a fall. Be a watchful guardian of the faith in everything it encompasses, and you will not fall. In this sense Saint John says that he who is born of God does not sin.