Taken out of context in Paul’s long letter to the Romans, it would appear in today’s reading from Romans Chapter 7 that Paul was having a very bad day. It seems as though he is possibly overreacting to a particular weakness he had.
It’s simple, right? Do the right thing. We usually know, if we listen to our conscience, what is right. So why is it sometimes so difficult to follow that path? Is it because of sin in us, as Paul says?
Sometimes we do sin. But sometimes, the lesser choice isn’t necessarily sinful. It may just be the weaker choice, or the less-perfect choice. It may not be evil; it may just not be as good. Does choosing the less-good act offend God? I believe it may sadden God, but I believe God is understanding, and sends us kindness and compassion, as the psalmist requests in today’s responsorial psalm.
But sometimes, like Paul says, we really are at war within ourselves.
We really know a particular action or thought is sinful. It destroys instead of building up. It contains falsehood instead of truth. It idolizes a false god, such as money or power or ego, instead of submitting to the one true God, Who is love.
But even then, as Paul states many times, especially in this letter to the Romans, Jesus saves. In the end, we cannot save ourselves. Jesus extends his saving hand, but we have to grasp it. We have to take hold of his hand or we lose out on what he is offering – in this life, and the next.
Cindy Murphy McMahon
I am retired after 17 years with Creighton’s University Communications and Marketing office, most recently as associate director of communications. I graduated in journalism from Creighton in the mid-’70s, and the skills I first learned there have provided a fulfilling career, including newspaper reporting, photography and editing; teaching; public relations and marketing; and freelance writing and editing.
A native of Chicago, I met my husband, Tom McMahon, in Omaha and we have been here for most of our married life. We have been blessed with three sons and seven grandchildren, and spending time with my family is my greatest joy.
I am grateful for the opportunity to explore my faith and the Scriptures by writing reflections for Creighton’s Online Ministries, and consider it a blessing and privilege. I enjoy hearing from, and learning from, people who read the reflections.
