By Grace

Some time ago, I read about the funeral of Charlemagne who was one of the most powerful Christian rulers of the early Middle Ages. After his death, there was an enormous funeral procession from his castle to the cathedral at Aix. When the body arrived, with a lot of pomp and circumstance, it was met by the local bishop who barred the cathedral door.

In the custom of the day, the Bishop asked, ”Who comes?” 

“Charlemagne, Lord, and King of the Holy Roman Empire,” proclaimed the Emperor’s proud herald. “Him I know not,” replied the Bishop. “Who comes?”

The herald was a bit shaken, but replied, “Charles the Great, a good and honest man of the earth.” “Him I know not,” the Bishop said again. “Who comes?”

The herald, now completely unnerved, responded, “Charles, a lowly sinner, who begs the gift of Christ.” On behalf of Christ, the Bishop responded, “Enter! Receive Christ’s gift of life!”

The point is clear. We all stand on equal ground before God. We all are in need of God’s grace and mercy. But herein lies the good news. It is not a matter of how good we are, or how much success we’ve achieved, that earns us God’s love and salvation.

Romans 2 reminds us, “God shows no partiality.” And, Ephesians 2 promises, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, for loving us just as we are. We also thank you for loving us so much that you invite us to change and grow. Open our hearts again to receive your love, forgiveness, and salvation. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.