Today, Saint Paul makes the strong claim that "...the sufferings of this time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed to us." In this bold statement, Saint Paul acknowledges the hard parts of life, but also gives us a reason to persevere; in a word, Saint Paul offers us hope.
St. Paul’s letter to the Romans examines the created world, our flesh and the Spirit, and how our status of being adopted children of God ultimately leads to Glory. At times, we ask ourselves: why is there so much sickness and strife? And, why does it seem to be everywhere? St. Paul flatly tells us that creation is subject to futility, but that there is hope of being set free - free from the slavery of corruption and that this will lead to sharing in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
As I read those words, it made me wonder how to understand what St. Paul means by children of God in this letter? A little reading leads us understand to that the children of God are those led by the Spirit; the baptized who allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. However, we know that even as baptized children of God, like creation we too groan with different trials of life, whether they are physical, mental, or spiritual.
A while back, sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, it dawned on me that each person was there because they hoped that their doctor could help them. St. Paul offers this hope for each of us when he says, "For in hope we were saved." He reminds us that we can only hope for what we don’t yet see and that we wait with endurance for a glorious destiny.
My brothers and sisters, St. Paul addresses the Christian life - by challenging us to keep hope alive as we face trials, by remembering that we are to live by the Spirit (and not the flesh), and not to be discouraged, for the Spirit that makes us Children of God, has destined us for Glory.
At some time today, take a few minutes with your family to pray together, share with each other what are you most hoping for God to bring about in your life? Let the Spirit guide you in your prayers…perhaps asking for the hope to keep going!
May God bless you and your families this holy day!
