Word to the Wise

Monday, October 13, 2025 - Monday in the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

[Rom 1:1-7 and Luke 11:29-32]
Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. [Romans]


     These opening words are a title to the most important and influential document in the New Testament after the four gospels.  It would be hard to overestimate its importance.  St. Paul's Letter to the Romans reflects his most mature theological understanding of the meaning of Jesus' identity and mission as well as his own.  These first words are not even a real sentence, but they warn us of dense reading ahead!
     St. Paul had never visited the Christian community in Rome before writing his letter.  The community was composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts.  Unlike the letters to the Corinthian and other communities, the Letter to the Romans is not concerned, principally, with problems but rather with a proclamation of the truth about salvation in Christ Jesus.  The role of the Jewish people, of whom Paul still considered himself a member, receives special attention.  The Mosaic Law has been fulfilled by a new law and a new Israel - the Church.  The significant event by which this happened was the death and resurrection of Christ.  Christians participate in this event through baptism.  All persons, Jew and Gentile alike, are invited to faith through the power of the Holy Spirit in baptism.
     In the days ahead, excerpts from the Letter to the Romans will form the first scripture of the day.  But I urge my Beloved Congregation to read the whole letter first and get a "big picture" that the fragmented lectionary  presentation can prevent.  The depths of the mystery of God's plan of salvation will be opened to you.  AMEN

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