Rom 12:1-8
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him. For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
After reflecting on the salvation of the Gentiles and delivering his ardent plea for the Jews, his brothers according to the flesh, St. Paul instructs the Christian community as a whole so that they may fruitfully unfold the life of faith. Despite their differences in state in life, all Christians are called to give themselves undividedly and unconditionally to God. This is what the Apostle is referring to when he uses the beautiful term “spiritual worship”. Indeed, we can offer this spiritual worship to the Lord in all circumstances without needing special conditions. We can offer it while carrying out the duties that are proper to our state in life, or, if we live in a monastery dedicated to contemplation or to works of charity. In short, wherever we find ourselves, we can offer it according to the vocation God has granted us.
Considering the constant temptation of Christians, the Apostle’s first exhortation is as follows: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” This instruction is all the more necessary the less of a Christian atmosphere prevails in society, where everyone shares the same convictions and feels supported by the community. Even in the present situation of the Church, Paul’s exhortation becomes necessary, since we cannot overlook the fact that the spirit of the world has infiltrated her, weakening the discernment of spirits, which is so necessary.
Next, St. Paul refers to the various gifts that the Lord has entrusted to the Church and pronounces the wise admonition that each person should remain within the limits that God has set for them. He exhorts those entrusted with leadership tasks to exercise them with joy and solicitude.
The Apostle’s instructions are so clear that I will simply quote them verbatim. In them, he addresses the way of holiness, and his words remain relevant today, offering guidance for leading a Christian life for the glory of God.
„Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rm 12:9-21).
Meditation on Today’s Reading (Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul):
https://en.elijamission.net/completing-the-race-2/
Meditation on the Gospel of the Day: