Lectionary: 490
Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my Gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.
After several weeks, we have come to the end of Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans. He finishes with a typical flourish, a blessing of the Only Wise God through Jesus Christ. With this Epistle the Apostle tried to explain clearly "my Gospel" as opposed to that which certain "super apostles" were announcing to Jewish synagogues throughout the Roman empire. It is a "mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested... and made known to all nations...."
He hopes that Christians in Rome experience the immediate authority of Jesus and through him a freedom unimagined since time began. He demonstrates the paradox of the mystery as he speaks of obedience and freedom; in the Lord they are one and the same thing. Without the Lord there is neither.
The patriarchs longed for this freedom, the prophets foresaw it, but only now is it revealed so clearly.
Today, on Veterans Day, the Church coincidentally celebrates a Roman soldier who, impelled by an impulse of the Holy Spirit, discovered astonishing freedom. The story is told that this young man, having heard the Gospel and pondering its significance, saw a naked man shivering in the cold. Suddenly, without much thought, he threw off his army issue cape and wrapped it around the man. Wouldn't any decent person do the same?
That night he dreamed of the incident and recognized he had given the cloak to Jesus. With that he decided to leave the army and join the Church. When his commander accused him of cowardice he rose up in anger and requested that he be placed in the front line of the phalanx as the enemy approached. Fortunately, and perhaps by the impulse of the same Holy Spirit, the enemy withdrew and there was no battle.
With that Martin withdrew from the army and was baptized. He became a bishop and was again remarkable for his courage. When several other bishops wanted to have certain heretics executed for their beliefs Martin defended their right to life.
His story reminds us that freedom can find anyone anywhere, and opposition to freedom can come from any direction at any time. It may find us in military service or civilian life, a family home or a prison cell. Likewise, it must be exercised with or without the support and approval of legitimate authorities, be they military, familial, corporate or ecclesial.
Hardly a day goes by when we don't hear of someone complaining how moral and ethical standards have changed. They complain, "My behavior was no worse than anyone's! What was acceptable last year is reprehensible this year. It's not fair!"
But we know the Holy Spirit honors the dignity of every person in every age. Racial discrimination was never appropriate; sexual predation was never acceptable; embezzlement was always wrong.
And it always takes courage to do the right thing. That's why Jesus gave us his Holy Spirit. As Saint Paul made clear in his second chapter, "You have no excuse!" for you live "according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith....'
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.