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[c]Saturday, August 9, 2003
Translation of the Relics of the Venerable Herman of Alaska
Epistle: Romans 13:1-10 Dormition Fast Gospel: St. Matthew 12:30-37
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The Dignity of Choice: Romans 13:1-10, especially vs. 8: "Owe no one anything except to love one another...." In reading the Epistle to the Romans, one should remember that in the last portion, the Apostle Paul turns from a systematic presentation of the Gospel to issues of daily living. As he does so, he issues two commands which might appear contradictory: first he says "be not conformed to this world" (Rom. 12:2), and in today's reading, he declares, "be subject to the governing authorities" (Rom. 13:1), to which he even adds, "Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due" (vs. 7). The pious Christian, were he not to delve into the Apostle's deep intentions, might wonder: how can a servant of the Lord be subject to the authorities of this world and not conform to the world which those authorities govern? What is one to obey?
It is given in this life plainly: we make our way by decisions, choosing one way rather than another, taking action or waiting, entering or leaving situations and circumstances, accepting or rejecting offers and opportunities. We constantly progress from moment to moment by choices. Of all God's earthly creatures, mankind alone has the dignity of choosing to give shape to life.
Today's reading provides Christians with three "ground rules" to help in decision-making: 1) be subject to the governing authorities (vs. 1), 2) be subject for conscience sake (vs. 5), and 3) "owe no one anything except to love one another" (vs. 8). Trace St. Paul's godly logic to its conclusion and one discovers that these three rules function serially under a greater, overarching command of the Lord: "love your neighbor as yourself" (vs. 9; Lev. 19:18 and Mt. 22:39).
Observe: there is a definite order to these three "ground rules," each successive rule possessing higher authority for one's decisions than the one preceding it. First, when faced with a decision, one can choose to obey the obvious appointed authority. Stop at a red light, pay a tax bill, or report for jury duty.
However, let us be cautious about making decisions unthinkingly. Rather, let us be ready to modify our actions whenever prompted by conscience. We have stopped at a red light, but an ambulance signals a need to move through the intersection. Conditions, conscience, and wisdom now urge one to ignore the authority of the traffic signal. If a tax bill appears to be inaccurate or unfair, a Christian ought to appeal the bill. One should pay only what is "due" (vs. 7)
But we continue one more step: before we decide to follow the voice of our own conscience without question, let us consider also the requirements of love, the needs of others, remembering that the human conscience, like other aspects of our nature, is in need of healing and illumination. Therefore, let us consider actions that extend respect and justice in love.
Christ our God, as Creator of all, made us in His own image, dignified us with a great gift of freedom to choose. Still, let us note that through choice we often turn to self-seeking and disobey the truth (Rom. 2:8). Ironically, through wrong choices we lose our freedom and fall under bondage to sin (Rom. 7:19). However, by the Lord's Death and the saving power of His Resurrection, God has reconciled us to Himself (Rom. 5:10) - but only if we choose Him for healing and life. We are free to seek God's will, His freedom, and His best, for the three rules are not laws. They are light and grace, which show us how to choose within God's love. Taken in the context of the Gospel, the rules become life and "the fulfillment of the law" (Rom. 13:10).
Direct us, O Lord our God, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help; that in all our works, begun, continued and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally, by Thy mercy attain unto everlasting life.
This meditation provided by DYNAMIS. For questions and subscription information contact a3dynamis@aol.com or DYNAMIS, St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 7515 E 13th St. N, Wichita KS 67206-1223 or go their website: www.trisagion.com/dynamis
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