Romans 12:2-16: Into the World
Holy Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Moving through Holy Week, we ask ourselves how do we fit into the world that surrounds us?
Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.
Today Paul gives us specific guidelines for how to live the Beatitudes, what we are to do with our concerns, how we are to handle our negative emotions, and where we might take our worries and fears. Our God-given identity calls us to reflect Christ in the world; but how are we to do this? Paul reminds us of God’s gracious gift of faith – and how we might carry it into a world that will likely be surprised by this message.
And because of God’s gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you.
Paul reminds us that humility and love serve us much more than revenge.
Love must be completely sincere. Hold on to what is good.
God turns all harm to goodness. We have proof of this and we can rely on this.
Love one another warmly, and be eager to show respect for one another.
Paul addresses Christians, but we might extend this openness and respect to all.
Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.
Fidelity and responsibility. Prudence and authenticity. These are our hallmarks of behavior.
Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.
Hope and patience. Prayer and petition. These are foundations on which we stand.
Share your belongings with your needy fellows, and open your homes to strangers.
Community versus individuality. The common good versus the singular gain. These are values we must weigh.
Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse.
This is perhaps the most difficult of all Jesus’ messages. Loving those who harm us is a challenge we want to ignore; but with Christ as our guide and refuge, we cannot lose.
Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.
Our brother Jesus celebrates and mourns. We are invited to do the same.
Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.
We are reminded that human wisdom cannot reach the heights of God’s wisdom. We remember that God does not abandon or betray us. We have before us a clear guideline for living as Jesus does, for living as we all might, for living as a builder in God’s kingdom. Today we have a striking description of our own God-given identity. Let us go into the world as if we believe.
When we use the scripture link and drop-down menus to compare varying versions of these words, we discover the blessings and gifts of God.
Images from: https://rodiagnusdei.wordpress.com/2014/08/27/beniamin-faragau-ce-inseamna-sa-nu-va-potriviti-chipului-veacului-acestuia/ and https://thepreachersword.com/
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