That he didn’t know them.
They weren’t saved in spite of their claims to religious activities.
Something some works based religions should take heed to.
Exactly.
“They” gave all these reasons to be saved, and all of the reasons were works. None of them professed faith.
Yes, Baptism, prayer, the Sacraments, Mass, Works of Mercy are good works that follow the way of Christ and leads us to know Christ and for Christ to know us.
Your comment: “They weren’t saved in spite of their claims to religious activities.”
It was stated in the article that they did not participate in religious activities. So when they asked for a religious service such as a wedding, the pastor did not know them.
So what are you going to say if Jesus asks you what did you do to know me or why did you leave the Catholic faith?