Romans 8

Selected Subject:
Romans 8:1-13

Meditatio/Reflection:

Romans talks about the differences between the flesh and spirit. It says that if we just use our bodies and only have concern for them and not our souls, we cannot please God. This is because God has said that we are not bodies but spirits, our bodies are shells for for our spirit to thrive in. However, a middle ground is proposed in verse 10 saying, “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness.” This allows for the idea that we are not completely holy and not completely evil. But if we slip into our bodily desires more, the middle ground is lost and we become slaves to our flesh and we lose connection with God. Yet, the Lord knows of our imperfections, and this is why he continues to be with us even though we may mess up once in a while. And so all he desires is that we try our best to live as virtuous as possible, letting our flesh and spirit work together.

Recently, my theology class discussed St. Paul’s idea of how the flesh and the spirit are different, but when harmonized, they become, in a sense, compatible. St. Paul describes the flesh as our impulsive and irrational sense, filled with fears and desires we would follow without a second thought if we didn’t have our spirits to guide us. Our soul is described as our rational side that plans for us and tries control our bodily impulses and desires into something healthy for us. And as mentioned above, we should act upon good and virtuous things instead of letting our bodies control and corrupt us.

Thanksgiving:

I am thankful for my sister, who has helped me grow considerable amounts in the past couple of years.

Oratio/Prayer Intention:

For all those who struggle with the winter season this year, whether it be the cold, the danger, or any other issues.



Quote of the Day:

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." -Winnie the Pooh

Matthew 21

Selected Subject:
Matthew 21:23-27

Meditatio/Reflection:

In our society today, it has become difficult to look at things from another perspective. Hate and horrid actions surround us, and pull us into uncertainty of whether to conform to society or to stand up for what we believe, which can be multiple beliefs. In this scripture passage, the chief priests and elders question Jesus about who gave him the authority to teach—what they believe to be false—and continue to act as Jesus does. Jesus gave the priests and elders a question to help them understand, “‘Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?’” (Matthew 21:25) They answer back confused, because if they say one or the other, their authority will be questioned as well. Finally, they admit to Jesus that they do not know which one it is. Jesus responds, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21:27)
I absolutely love that Jesus responds with both an attitude, yet freedom of belief. Jesus does not force them to believe he has the authority, he lets them use their free will and decide for themselves. Freedom to choose is seen in John 18:37, when Pilate questions Jesus. Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews, and Jesus simply replies, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” He still gives Pilate the freedom of choice in whether to believe him or to deny him. I think this is missing in our society today. We no longer have the freedom to choose what we believe in, we can no longer think for ourselves as we may be seen as different, weak, or unintelligent. So perhaps instead of forcing people to mold into our own ideals, we should let them be free so that they don’t become oppressed.

Thanksgiving:

I am very thankful for the opportunities that have been given to me.

Oratio/Prayer Intention:

Praying for all those who are or feel constantly oppressed by the people and/or the society around them, that they may find peace and freedom.



Quote of the Day:

"There is something beautiful about a billion starts held steady by a God who know what He is doing." -Donald Miller