In the last reflection we have examined the wrath of God toward people who have chosen lives of rebellion and disobedience. There are those who live moral lives outwardly and yet are inwardly living a life of disobedience and sin. Romans chapter 2 enables us to reflect on who are the righteous. As we read the chapter, St. Paul speaks about judging others he teaches us that when we do so we only condemn ourselves. As Christians, it is important to show kindness, patience and forbearance with one another. Since God is patient with us in our journey of faith we should follow His example by being patient.
As we are on our pilgrimage here on earth we are to patiently persevere in our walk of faith by living a life of truth that is consistent with Sacred Scripture. St. Paul says in verse 7, " to those who by patience in well-being seek for glory and honor and immortality he will give eternal life." For those that choose a life of unrighteousness there will be trouble and hardship whether one is Jew or Greek. St. Paul make's it clear that Almighty God shows no partiality. Man establishes partialities and judgments, cultures have their own boundaries and identities and St. Paul goes on to describe them however, God is a just judge and knows the hearts of men and is open to receive all who will come to Him.
In verse 12 St. Paul is referring to the Mosaic Law, the Mosaic Law refers to the Ten Commandments. He tells us that hearing the Law is not enough to make one righteous. It is, rather, the doers of the Law, those who apply it to their lives and strive to fulfill all its precepts, who are righteous in the eyes of God. St. Paul seeks to rouse the Jews by showing them that the type of lifestyle they are living is in contrast to what the Mosaic Law teaches and by presenting to the Jews the opportunity to know God. St. Paul reminds the Gentiles as well, that each person will reap the consequences of his or her individual deeds. Lastly, one day God will judge the lives we have led. Just as St. Paul reminded the Jew and Gentile how to live for God. We are also reminded to take into account what kind of life we are living and whether or not we are persevering in the faith, choosing daily to die to our sins or are we trying to be our own God? God is looking for a holy people, one that seeks to do his holy will. When was the last time you went to confession or attended Mass? Or said a rosary for your enemy? Ask God to help you throughout the course of this week to draw you closer to His image and likeness and he will guide you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
My brothers and sisters, let us be wary of praying to Christ with our mouths but remaining mute in our life. Who is it that prays to Christ? The person who spurns worldly pleasures. The person who says-- not in words but in conduct-- "The world has been crucified to me and I to the world (Gal. 6:14). The person who lavishly gives to the poor (Ps 112:9).
Rest assured , my brothers and sisters, you will receive. Ask, seek, knock; you will receive and find, and it will be opened to you. However, do not ask, seek, and knock with our voice alone but with your life as well. Do the works your life should never be without.
Saint Augustine: Serm. 88; Serm. Morin 16, 8, Thomas A. Hand, O. S. A., New York, Catholic Publishing Co., pg. 1
1. What are the consequences in judging others?
2. St. Paul reminds the Gentiles of what important fact?
3. God will give eternal life to those who do what?
Holy Spirit, help me throughout the course of this week to draw close to you. Help me to spend time reading Sacred Scripture, attending Mass, saying the rosary and going to confession, by drawing closer to you I will learn to be the Christian that Christ calls me to be. I ask this through the intercession of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.