Spiritual Worship

Having set out the Gospel from end to end, Paul draws its consequences for life. The doctrine becomes conduct: what God has done for man calls in return for a whole existence placed into his hands.

To offer one’s life in sacrifice

The first fruit of received grace is the gift of self. Paul asks not for sacrifices of animals, but for the offering of life itself, in the conduct of each day: “Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God: this is the spiritual worship suited to you.” Romans 12:1 The Greek word rendered “spiritual worship,” logikē latreia (λογικὴ λατρεία), means a worship according to reason and the Word, wholly interior: the offering is no longer the victim laid on the altar, but the person himself, his mind and his daily life, given over to God. The worship of the Temple finds here its fulfilment, made inward in the gift of self. This new worship passes through an inner transformation, a renewal of judgment that learns to will what God wills: “Be transformed by the renewal of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.” Romans 12:2

One body, diverse members

This gift of self is lived in the community. At once Paul teaches that believers together form a body, in which each has his own function: “We, though many, form but one body in Christ, and each for his part we are members of one another.” Romans 12:5 The gifts differ, teaching, service, charity, but all are ordered to the good of the whole body. This is the concrete setting in which the love and welcome Paul speaks of next are exercised.

Love, the fullness of the Law

All of Paul’s exhortations converge on a single commandment, in which the Law finds its end. Whoever loves his neighbour has already fulfilled what the Law commanded, for love never seeks another’s harm: “Love does no wrong to the neighbor: love is therefore the full fulfillment of the Law.” Romans 13:10 This love unfolds in concrete acts: to bless rather than curse, to render good for evil, to live at peace with all, to give each one what is due. It touches too the relation to authorities: Paul asks that one submit to them, not out of fear, but because every legitimate power holds its charge from God. Paul seals these exhortations with a call to vigilance: salvation is nearer than the day one first believed. “The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the weapons of light.” Romans 13:12 The believer strips off the old man to put on Christ himself: “Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 13:14 These are the words that, heard in a garden at Milan, tore Augustine from his former life. “Let everyone submit to the established authorities. For there is no authority that does not come from God.” Romans 13:1

Receive one another

In a Church where believers of diverse origins and sensibilities lived side by side, some scrupulous about foods and days, others more free, Paul asks that no one despise or judge his brother. The strong bear the weakness of others, and each seeks not what pleases himself, but what builds up. The measure of this welcome is Christ himself: “Welcome one another, then, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7 Thus the letter, having set out from universal sin, ends on a reconciled community, image of the salvation it announces.