A Christian Charter--Romans 12: Daily Mass Homily--Tuesday, November 5th, 2013

           I like keeping things short and sweet.  As our students in our Bible study know, I like to summarize the story and stories of the Scriptures concisely to help understand the overarching themes of the Scriptures.

            Romans 12 is a great example of a succinct explanation of how we are to live our faith.  In my Bible, there are two headings contained in this chapter—“The New Life in Christ” and “Marks of the True Christian” and these twenty-one verses give a charter for our Christian life.

            As this chapter begins, note how St. Paul seems to write to us: “I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Do not be conformed to this world which says success is found only in money, power, fame or pleasure.  Be transformed by the renewal of your heart, mind and soul.

            St. Paul then speaks about the unique gifts God gives us to build up His Church.  Each of you here have many gifts that can serve Christ and His Church.  Use these gifts to the full.

            Romans 12:9 is a powerful verse: “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good…”  You have probably heard someone tell you, “Hate is a strong word” or “You shouldn’t hate”.  I give you permission to hate what is evil.  There is evil in the world and people do evil things.  Hate such evil.  Combat such evil.  “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Be sure to begin with the evil in yourself and while you may hate evil acts, you may never judge the person who does such acts.  Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink…”

            Finally, St. Paul reminds us to serve our neighbor: “Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality…weep with those who weep…associate with the lowly.”

            This week, pray with Romans 12.  Revisit this chapter often, and strive to live according to this blessed charter of our faith.