Through Jesus’ saving grace, our life is conformed to his, loving what he loves and who he loves.
Sunday, June 14, is the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Exodus 19:2-6a; Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5; Romans 5:6-11; Matthew 9:36-10:8.
The reading today from St. Paul to the Romans speaks important truths:
“For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. … But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”
This was our state before Jesus and our state apart from him. The pure mercy and grace of God sets us free. It is a pure gift of God.
“How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath.”
Christ has come: It is now possible for us be delivered.
St. Paul’s use of this word “justified” is about relational justice. We are justified by baptism into Christ’s death and by being members of his Body. We enter into a life-changing relationship with the Lord.
The text says that Jesus accomplishes this “by his blood.” Jesus
