Who will Deliver Me from this Mortal Body?"


Today's Mass Readings

Today’s first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans is one of the most moving discussions of a Christian’s battle with sin. Although original sin has been removed through Baptism, concupiscence remains, which inclines us to sin. Although concupiscence in itself is not sin, we must fight against this inclination to sin. This can be very difficult. St. Paul explains the difficulty by contrasting his desire to do good and his flesh which leads him to sin. He describes this “war” within himself. He feels that he is enslaved to sin. At the end he cries out, “Who will deliver me from this mortal body?” And his answer is Jesus: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This verse ends the chapter, but if we were to read a little further in the beginning of the next chapter, we find that St. Paul continues his discussion: “Hence, now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death.” He goes on to say that we are children of God, and insists that we must suffer with Christ. In fact, near the end of this next chapter (8:37), we see that through Christ, “in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly,” or as some translations have it, “we are more than conquerors.” Jesus is our only hope in the struggle against sin, and in the struggle for holiness. We do not need to fear condemnation, for Jesus was already condemned to the cross for us. But Jesus death and resurrection was more than simply an act that forgives our sins. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He empowers us to fight sin and learn to live more freely. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus has transformed our suffering so that it can be redemptive for us.

We receive the strength we need to live this life through the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession. Let us live sacramental lives united with Christ in our daily struggles. But let us not be afraid, for Christ has made us children of God.