Romans 13 in the Context of Romans 12

Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth (Year C)

Scripture

1 Samuel 2:1-10; Psalm 113; Romans 12:9-16b; Luke 1:39-57

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Prayer

Blessed God, who invited us to be handmaids of your creative power: Bless us as you blessed Hannah, Elizabeth, and Mary, filling our barren hearts with your fertile word, nurturing faith within us, sustaining us as we ripen with hope, until your desire calls us to the time of labor, and we give birth to your incarnate love. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)

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Reflection

Romans 12:9-16b

In the latter chapters of his letter to the Romans, Paul turns from theological reflections to the everyday realities of Christian living. After unfolding the grand narrative of God’s mercy and grace in Romans 1–11, he begins in chapter 12 to paint a picture of what a gospel-shaped life looks like. He speaks not in abstractions, but in concrete, urgent exhortations that reach into every part of the believer’s life.