Reading 1 Rom 7:18-25a
Brothers and sisters:
I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh.
The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not.
For I do not do the good I want,
but I do the evil I do not want.
Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it,
but sin that dwells in me.
So, then, I discover the principle
that when I want to do right, evil is at hand.
For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self,
but I see in my members another principle
at war with the law of my mind,
taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.
Miserable one that I am!
Who will deliver me from this mortal body?
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94
R. (68b) Lord, teach me your statutes.
Teach me wisdom and knowledge,
for in your commands I trust.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Never will I forget your precepts,
for through them you give me life.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Gospel Lk 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds,
"When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain'and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot'and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
"Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny."
Meditation: Romans 7:18-25
“Who will deliver me from this mortal body?” (Romans 7:24)
How many times have we said it: “I am never doing that again! I am never drinking (or eating) too much; yelling at the kids; looking at pornography; swearing or lying or gossiping.” Each of us struggles with sin. With the best intentions and all the willpower we can summon, we set out, determined to do better. We long to master and be done with a particular stronghold—only to fall again.
We know what is good and what is sinful. Deep in our hearts, we want to please God. But how can we change if our most strenuous efforts aren’t enough? With Paul, we all cry out: “Who will deliver me?” (Romans 7:24). To know the answer, we must admit: “I can’t do it on my own.” This is the first verse of the glad shout that disarms the enemy. But it must be followed up by the chorus: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (7:25).
Yes, thanks be to God! Even when you feel defeated yet again by the same old sins, know that Jesus has redeemed you. Even when you feel powerless against temptation, rejoice in your salvation. There may still be areas in your life that need to be conquered. There may still be attitudes that need to be corrected. But sin does not have the final say. You are still a child of God, chosen and beloved of the Father.
God sees your struggles. He knows your anxieties. He sees how hard you are trying, and he honors every effort you make. When you fall, he does not turn away. No, he comes closer, offering you his mercy and his healing. Hour by hour, minute by minute, he stands by you, pouring out grace and comfort.
So live as a victor today. It may not make logical sense to the world. But to anyone who has tasted the goodness of the Lord, it makes perfect sense. Turn to Jesus. Keep his victory in sight. Declare it: Jesus’ death is enough; there is no more condemnation; love has triumphed. Let that love sweep away any thought that you will never change. Turn away from self-condemnation and toward his unfailing love. Let him fill you up, and sin will slink away.
“Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ! Lord, you are my hope and my salvation!”
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