Serviamus in novitate | Serve in the new way

"But now we serve in the new way of the Spirit" (Romans 7:6).

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In the heart of Paul's letter to the Romans, we find this beautiful verse that captures the essence of our Christian journey. "We serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code."

St. Augustine reflected on his own experience and wrote in his Confessions: "For the law commands what cannot be fulfilled; grace gives what is commanded." How many of us have felt this tension? We know what is right, yet find ourselves unable to do it consistently.

Paul tells us we have been "released from the law". This is the mystery of our baptism, where we were united with Christ in His death. As we read in Romans 6:4: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

What does it mean to "serve in the new way of the Spirit"?

First, it means our relationship with God is no longer based on fear but on love. "There is no fear in love," says 1 John 4:18, "but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment."

Second, it means the Holy Spirit empowers us. As Ezekiel prophesied: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws" (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

Third, it means our service flows from gratitude rather than obligation. St. Basil the Great wrote, "When someone has been counted worthy to receive the Holy Spirit, he obtains as a result a wealth of incredible treasures."

Accordingly, when we face temptation and struggle with sin, we should turn to the Spirit who helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us (Romans 8:26).

Brothers and sisters, let us examine ourselves if we embraced the new way of the Spirit?

The great news is that this new way is available to all who trust in Christ.

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to lead us in this new way, transforming us, so that our service might flow from love, joy, and gratitude. And may our lives be a testimony to the freedom and power of serving in the new way of the Spirit.

Bible reflection on Romans 7: 1-13 by Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak SVD

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