A reflection on Romans 8:18-23
Sunday of the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
©️2023 Gloria M. Chang
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:18-23
Liberation in the Spirit
In Paul’s image of a groaning cosmos, matter mirrors the chaos of spirit. Creation suffers from Adam’s interior disharmony. The taming of the human spirit by the Spirit of God leads to the taming of the universe. In a sensitive web of interrelationships, atoms, molecules, matter, life, and spirit dance to the friendship of divine and human persons. Peacemakers pacify the planet.
Creation waits with expectation,
Eager for God’s revelation.
By the Spirit’s liberation,
Saints will rise in tribulation.