The grace of 'slavery'!

WORD 2day: Wednesday, 29th week in Ordinary time

October 23, 2019: Romans 6: 12-18; Luke 12: 39-48

Being 'slaves' of righteousness - it is a wonderful figure of speech that St. Paul uses to communicate the level of virtuousness that we need to arrive at. Because, more is given to us (for God did not spare anything because of the love God has for us), and so more is expected of us! 

The Lord in his turn speaks of the same message with the help of a parable. Jesus speaks of various categories of persons today: those who do not know what is right and so fail to do it, they are helpless  and will receive the light; those who do not know what is right but still do it, they are fortunate and so are blessed; those who know what is right but still do not do it, they are slaves to unrighteousness and they bring upon themselves needless grief; those who know what is right and are particular about doing it - they are the righteous, they are the people of the light, they are the sons and daughters of God. 

Let us add one more to that list... those who know what is right and cannot but do it; they face troubles and struggles, they suffer heat and cold, they endure pain and persecution, but can never give up on doing what is right: these are whom Paul calls today, 'slaves' to righteousness. Isn't that a grace?

That is why, I wish to extend that figure of speech of Paul and speak of how important it is to pray for the grace of 'slavery', slavery to righteousness. These are the saints, who cannot but be righteous, cannot but be good, cannot but be loving, cannot but be forgiving! This is the category that are really the 'Blessed'! 

Which category do I belong to?'