Every day we hear about or encounter the tensions that exist among family members, neighbors, co-workers, and even within our own hearts—one of these is the tension between trying to discipline the desires of the flesh and the presumption that we can do whatever we want because God is merciful.
When Paul wrote today’s reading to the Romans, it was to guide two groups of people who were at odds with one another in following Jesus. At that time, there was a growing confusion in the Roman Church… a phenomenon that continues to occur in each generation, often revisiting the same topics.
In this case, on one hand, you had the old “law bound” group—the Jewish believers who still measured righteousness by Mosaic Law--and then there were the Gentile believers—who felt that because they were under the Holy Spirit and no longer bound by the Mosaic law, they could do whatever they wanted…that created a lot of tension.
Paul wrote to prevent the rupture of the church — and to ensure that people didn’t reduce the Gospel to legalism or fall into licentiousness, through a permissive understanding of the movement from the Mosaic Law to the Gospel message of Jesus.
In Paul’s letter, we heard that there were still “debtors to the flesh.”
Paul chose to use the term “debtor” because in the Roman world, a debtor was bound to repay a debt, often under harsh conditions…Paul uses this context to underscore that apart from Christ, humanity is bound to the flesh’s power; and only by the Spirit’s power are we released from this…and that it is through the Spirit that we also become “children of God’ and “heirs with Christ.”
So, Where Are We Today
- Are we debtors to the flesh--in how we prioritize our schedule? Do we trade our time for God and family and friends for self-indulgence or comfort?
- Do we find ourselves struggling to control our spending habits, time online, or taking in entertainment that degrades the goodness of humanity, etc.?
- On the other hand, are we speaking and acting in a judgmental, legalistic approach toward our families, neighbors, or fellow parishioners?
- Do we recognize that the teachings of the Church, which flow from the Gospel, are meant to give us a path to new life and that God desires all people to come to know and love the way of Jesus?
To counter being debtors to the flesh, we must remember that the Spirit has bought us at a great price: Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. Repaying a debt we could never repay on our own. That this payment is complete and efficacious for all who act on His Word and are open to the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Likewise, when we struggle with being legalistic in our relationships, when we fall into being judgmental or believing that we are better than others in God’s eyes, then we can ask for the Holy Spirit to help us to have the heart of Jesus…a patient and compassionate heart that never forgets that Jesus came to save all people, even those we struggle to like but are called to love.
Come, Holy Spirit, enliven us with the spirit of God this day!
- Today’s Readings
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
