I must respectfully but adamantly disagree with Father Rolheiser’s column in the Sept. 24 issue, “Under a bridge in Austin.” Explicit faith is exactly what Jesus requires: “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). 

“But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:33). There are many people who do tremendous good works, but only professed faith in Jesus as the only Son of God will save them. It’s not enough just to be a good person. 

Also, according to Scripture, no one can save another person — not even a loving sister or brother — as Jesus said in his teaching about the rich man and the beggar (Luke 16:26–31). Each person must come to faith in Jesus by his own choice. 

Thankfully, Jesus is infinitely merciful, so he extends the invitation to believe in him to all, even to their dying breath. What is of comfort to us is that only Jesus knows the heart and who may have accepted him in their last moments. 

— Cathy Wilcox, Ojai