Reflection on this Sunday’s Readings
St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans explains facts often overlooked by readers taking “Romans” out of context. Anyone attempting to memorize the Bible: chapter and verse, like some self-help book on righteousness, ought to carefully consider today’s lessons. Obviously, these were combined for this occasion, to correct such mistaken notions. Paul did write, “For Christ is the end of the Law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Rom. 10:4) However, readers should weigh the value of “end” in this context. For Christ said of himself, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil.” (Mat. 5:17) St. John’s Gospel observes, “The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)
God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in all things fulfilling the spirit of that Law, by always doing the will of Him who sent Him. He was not just a good example of what is true, but rather, Himself, the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). He is the Alpha and Omega. (Rev. 1:8) St. Peter reminds us to respond by always sanctifying Christ as Lord, in our hearts, being ready to defend that hope. (1Pt. 3:15) As our Lord opened the minds of His disciples (Luke 24:45) to understand the scriptures, even now, as all the nations are in an uproar, God is still in her (the Church’s) midst (Psalm 45:5), opening our minds, as we will, to receive their faithful testimony.
Christ’s glorious resurrection gives us the courage to believe He shows us how to worship in spirit and in truth, even when reviled for that faith. As we testify to what He shows us, He inspires us to progressively prepare to testify about our hope in the power of His love and mercy. That power is the eternal grace which He brings to the equation of life. Insofar as we endure, faithfully responding to His grace in us, we reduce, then, displace our former vices with virtues. We anticipate meeting Him, to enter in with our Lord, when He returns in glory.
