SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(I Kings 3:5-13; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-46)
It is often said that Saint Paul has had more impact on
Christianity than anyone else except Jesus. One scholar has written that his
Letter to the Romans "has affected theology more than any other book in
the New Testament." We have been reading from this letter since the Sunday
after Corpus Christi and we will continue through Advent. It is worthwhile to
devote at least one homily to this masterpiece.
The Letter to the Romans is probably the last document
written by Paul that we have. It was written in Corinth about seven years
before his death. Paul had preached to the Greeks in the eastern part of the
Mediterranean with great success. He then he considered a missionary trip to
the West. He wrote the letter to introduce himself to the Christians in Rome.
Once there he could ask them for support for his new project. He probably
wanted to impress the Romans with his balanced understanding of the faith.
The letter begins with the recognition that Jews as well as pagans
have gone astray. Pagans have not come to the knowledge of God despite natural
revelation. That is, they have not been able to deduce from the wonder and
beauty of nature that there is a single God who created the universe. In
addition, they have fallen into ruinous crimes by submitting to their passionate
desires. The Jews have had the advantage of knowing God's will through the Law.
However, instead of allowing Him to make them holy, they have reduced the law
to external practices and rites. Both peoples, it says, deserve death.
However, the letter sees God offering them the opportunity
for justification. It says that He sent his Son Jesus Christ so that those who
have faith in him and are baptized would live. Justification is liberation from
the sinful situation, be it disordered passions or the law that condemns. The
justified receive the Spirit of Jesus in Baptism who directs their lives. This
Spirit enables them to call God "Abba" or "Father" and love
him as such.
In the brief passage from the letter that we read today,
Paul assures that everything contributes to the good of those who love God.
It's not just by chance or because God is almighty that they do not have to
worry. No, things will work out because God has had a plan from the beginning.
He has predestined some to bear the image of his Son. Similar to Jesus, they
practice love for God and neighbor. To these God will give the glory that
Christ received with his resurrection from the dead.
Manifestations of God's plan can be seen in the lives of the
saints. Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a soldier who probably thought a lot about
fame and fortune -- the glory of the world. When he was injured, he had an
opportunity to reflect at length on Christ. He then decided to conform his life
to Christ’s. As a result, he not only founded the Society of Jesus but also has
left a spirituality practiced throughout the world. Once, when the success of
his aspirations was uncertain, Ignatius heard the voice of the Lord. As Paul
assures that everything will work out well for those who love God, the voice
told Ignatius: "I will be favorable to you in Rome."
Any difficulties we face should not unduly upset us.
Conformed to Christ, we will be fine.
