The Two-Edged Gospel / Gerald O’Mahony

The sword of the gospel has two edges which provide a dilemma for many. How to reconcile the fact that on the one hand we freely receive our salvation from God through Christ's saving grace displayed on the cross, whilst on the other we are called to walk a voluntary path of sometimes costly discipleship.

Through over twenty pairs of gospel images Gerald O'Mahony traces the clear difference between being saved and being a disciple.

- To be enlightened by God is necessary; to be a light for others is voluntary,

-To be based on the Rock is necessary; to be a rock for others is voluntary,

- To be saved by the cross of Jesus is necessary; to take up my own cross is voluntary.

The decision has to be taken freely or not at all; ultimately it does not affect our salvation. However the challenge needs to be faced if we are to be freed to do great things for God.

Gerald O'Mahony, SJ is a Jesuit priest and retreat giver at Loyola Hall, Rainhill, near Liverpool. He joined the Jesuits in 1952, was ordained priest in 1964,  was a religious advisor to teachers in Liverpool Archdiocese for ten years before coming to Loyola Hall in 1983. The Two-Edged Gospel now reprinted was his twelfth book.