DECLARING OURSELVES FOR CHRIST

XII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Romans 5:12-15

In his letter to the Romans, Paul puts side by side Adam, the first man, and Christ, the new Adam. Adam represents the old humanity enslaved by sin who have chosen to disobey God and rebel against Him. Full of pride, they refuse to recognise their dependence on Him and affirm themselves as being self-sufficient and independent. In shame, they try to distort and destroy God’s image in them. Jesus Christ is the New Adam. From Him, it comes a new humanity that affirms itself in humility and obedience to God. It is a humanity that reveals the image of God and His glory. The “divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift.” Whenever we follow Adam’s path, we find chaos, self-destruction and death. However, if we choose to be disciples of Jesus Christ and follow his footsteps, we find peace and life, enjoying them to the full. Having Adam as a role model, we live in darkness and submit to the power of evil. By choosing Christ’s way, we become children of the light, are set free and are granted a claim to the Kingdom of God.

There is a constant struggle between light and darkness, which tries by all means to overcome light. This struggle takes place in our hearts and in the world at large. If we were not strengthened by hope and by the guarantee of God’s faithfulness, we would fall into despair. Those who revel in darkness make it their duty to persecute and destroy Jesus’ disciples so that his light may not shine over the world.

In the first reading, we find Jeremiah, whose life was in itself a prophecy. He was rejected and persecuted for being faithful and truthful to God’s calling. Even his friends turned against him. He complains but does not despair. He entrusts his cause to the Lord, being sure that the Lord delivers “the soul of the needy from the hands of evil men” (Jeremiah 20:10-13). With the Psalmist, we pray, "In your great love, answer me, O Lord.”

Jesus fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy, being rejected, tortured and crucified as a criminal among other criminals. Like Jeremiah, Jesus entrusted his cause to the Lord, remaining faithful to the end. Jesus’ way passes through suffering and death towards glorification. By his resurrection, Jesus is established as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Before Him, every tongue has to confess that He is the Lord.

Jesus calls his disciples to follow after Him through the way of the cross, enduring rejection and suffering and remaining faithful to the end. With reassuring words, Jesus tells us: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” We are in God’s hands, and He will never desert us. As for us, it is our duty to remain faithful at all times and in all places.

“So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven.” (Mt 10:26-33).