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Bible offers hope In this our fourth reflection on Romans we will consider verses 24 through 30. This reflection sets up the positive part of Romans Eighth. St. Paul starts out by talking about hope. We all can use a "healthy dose" of hope. Truly this grace provides us with so much encouragement. Those areas of our lives that might have seemed so insurmountable, under the "rays" of hope are given a new outlook. So let us turn our attention to our verses. Verse 24, "For in hope we are saved. Now hope that see for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees?" This makes our journey plausible, for hope is present that stirs us on! St. Paul clearly reminds us, that hope is in something not seen! We therefore are called to live in a certain way. What way is this? St. Paul answers the question for us. "But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance." We live our life in such a way as to endure with hope those things that we face. As we do so, we are waiting in our faithful living the fulfillment of His promises. I liken this in a small way to the endurance that little children have around Christmas time. Most parents know that the children's endurance is anything but patient. All too often especially if young children are involved the parents' patience is tested. They are the ones who have to endure. Yet the excitement of the children can be "contagious." They remind us of our lost childhood, but even more of our call to be excited about our walk with the Lord. St. Paul reminds us of this call that is ours. St. Paul reminds us that we are not left on our own, with regards to living in endurance. As has been the case throughout this chapter, the Holy Spirit has a help for us. Let us listen to the words of St.Paul. "Verses 26 and 27 give Paul's answer. First Paul reminds us that we do not know how to bring our needs to the Father. The Spirit will do this for us. Second the Spirit intercedes for us according to God's will. The Spirit will not go against God's will. The Spirit will give us the prayers and groaning we need. I don't know about you, but I for one am mighty glad the Holy Spirit will do this for me. I can rest in His guiding power. This is one less thing that I have to worry about. To me this is great news. In our last verse of this reflection, we are given true cause to rejoice. "And those he predestined he also called, and those he called he also justified, and those he justified he also glorified." Many have given volumes of paper to this verse. Over the centuries there has been much discussion over the various terms contained within. The point is that within the will of God; He invites all to receive salvation. He desires that all would say yes to this invitation. He also gives to us free will, and it is this that enters into our response to God. We are then called upon to accept his offer or not. We then by our choices enter upon a path of life. The good news is that if we turn away, we can always turn back to God and seek His forgiveness. This possibility again gives us much hope. As in all things the choice is ours. St. Paul obviously hopes that we chose to walk with God. In so making this choice, we will then share in His justification and glory. Until the next time, when I complete this reflection, may the Lord bless you!
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