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Paul details 'benefits' of the Holy Spirit Reflection on Romans 8 Third in a Series of Five. In this third reflection upon the Eighth chapter of Romans, the verses will be 16 through 23. In this section St. Paul becomes more specific in terms of the "benefits" of living in the Spirit. He also shares the practical part of this living. It is not without a cost on our part. There is no "free ride" as attractive as this may be or sound. As with the other two reflections; we will spend time on the verses and "tone "offered in this section. The hope is always to come to a deeper appreciation of the tremendous "gift" that our Lord is offering to us. Once again St.Paul starts with a very uplifting verse. It is the "Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." What a great way to start off. To know that it is the Spirit of God-the Holy Spirit, who along with our spirit that bears the truth of our belonging to God. It is not by accident that both the Holy Spirit and our spirit are required for this "equation" to work. In fact if the Holy Spirit was not present, we could not hope to make such a claim. If we are not joined with the Holy Spirit in our belonging to God, we would in fact be running counter to the Holy Spirit. Either way we would not be in the will of God. It is precisely in this beautiful mixture of grace and acceptance, grace on God's part, and acceptance on our part that we become His children. In and of it this would be such a blessing, and offer to us much assurance. St. Paul wishes us to understand the "fullness" of God's plan. He continues "...and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." The good news keeps on getting better! St. Paul tells us, we are also heirs of God along with Christ. We are then called to receive a share in the "treasures" that are Jesus' namely the kingdom and eternity with Him, Father and Holy Spirit! We keep on getting more and more uplifting news. God knows most of us, are open to good news. As we continue with verse 17, our part of the journey comes into "play." "... If only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him." Herein lies our part, and as has been alluded to throughout this series, the price is not easy. It is great that we are called to believe in Him. It is great to say Lord I will walk in the Spirit. In fact all of this would seem rather easy, for there does not seem to be too much asked of us-to now. St. Paul tells us that if we want to share in the glory, we must be willing to share in the suffering. The famous statement "no pain, no gain" is brought before us, this time by the apostle Paul. It is here that we are called to reflect and decide, can I truly embrace suffering? Am I strong enough to bear the cross when it comes my way? Would not it be better if the suffering could be "skipped over?" Jesus knows these thoughts. He encountered them in the Garden of Gethsemane. He asked His Father, "if it is possible, let this cup pass by me? But your will, not mine be done! Sounds like He knew the pain of suffering that awaited Him! He knows that we too will need His grace when that time comes. He will freely give this to us, if we but ask. The next part of our reflection calls upon us to "look at the bigger picture." St. Paul calls upon the Romans to look toward the glory. This while being encouraging can be very difficult, when a person in this midst of pain and suffering. When one has to deal with major change within their life, that causes doubt; confusion, and /or pain, the "larger picture" can seem so far away. Jesus knows this "up close and personal"- Remember Gethsemane. Verse 21 reminds us that after this our journey" creation will be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God." These words are true, yet we need to remember and hold on. We will all face different times of sorrow and suffering during our life, and these words given to us by St. Paul are meant to comfort us. For those among us who are in the midst of pain and suffering, may these words provide a measure of comfort.
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