Saturday 17 May 2008

Background

Paul begins this chapter of his letter to the Romans with theassertion that "there is therefore now no condemnation for thosewho are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life inChrist Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death"(verses 1-2).

Paul develops this idea by considering what it means to live inthis new situation in which the children of God are led by theSpirit of God (verse 4). The work of salvation and the bringing inof the kingdom is one which Paul sees as involving the whole ofcreation. Until now, says Paul "the whole creation has beengroaning in labour pains" (verse 22) while those who live in thepower of the Spirit have the "first fruits" (verse 23) of God'ssaving action in the world God created.

This understanding frees us from seeing God's saving work in a waywhich is too individualistic and internal. Christ's death on theCross makes individual salvation possible - but Christ's call todiscipleship urges us to work for the salvation of the whole ofcreation. We look ahead with hope - but we offer ourselves to Godeach day so that the world in which we now live will reveal more ofthe values of the kingdom.

The final two verses of today's reading speak of how the Spirithelps us in our prayers. We may not know what to pray - indeed itis often when we try to pray that we are reminded of the weaknessof our faith - and yet the Spirit will help us even in thosemoments. Sometimes the most powerful experiences in prayer comewhen we can find no words to express our deep feelings and yet wesense a powerful moment of communion with God.

Those inexpressible feelings may be of pain and despair, or theymay be feelings of joy and elation, but those times of wordlessprayer can - with the help of the Spirit - bring us to a placewhere we are powerfully aware of the presence of God.

To Ponder

What might it mean to work for the salvation ofthe whole of creation? How can you go about this in your dailylife?

When do you find prayer most difficult? How canthe Holy Spirit help you at these times?

What do you think does Paul means when he says"the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God"(verse 27)?