Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Romans 12:14-21

Roman Catholic Lens Reading of Romans 12:14-21

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Romans 12:14-21 as a call to live out the radical love and mercy exemplified by Christ, especially towards our enemies. This passage highlights the transformative power of grace in our lives, urging us to overcome evil with good. Within the Catholic tradition, we see this as an expression of the moral life informed by sanctifying grace, which empowers us to love beyond natural human capacities. The historical context of Paul's letter to the Romans illuminates the need for unity and peace within the Christian community, a unity that reflects the oneness of the Body of Christ.

Key Language Decisions

The Greek word 'agape,' used for love, emphasizes selfless, sacrificial love, aligning with our understanding of divine love as revealed through the Incarnation. The phrase 'overcome evil with good' (Greek: 'nika to kakon en to agatho') underscores the victory of Christ's grace over sin. The semantic range of 'bless' (Greek: 'eulogeo') implies a calling to invoke God's favor upon others, stressing the sacramental nature of blessing in our lives and liturgy.

Where Traditions Diverge

Unlike the Protestant emphasis on a personal and immediate justification, we understand this passage within the framework of sanctifying grace and the moral transformation it brings. Our tradition sees the call to 'bless those who persecute you' as a testament to the power of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, which nourishes us for such radical love. This diverges from the Reformed view that often interprets this passage primarily as a personal moral exhortation without the sacramental context.

Pastoral Application

As pastors, we should emphasize the communal and sacramental dimensions of this passage. Encourage the faithful to participate in the Eucharist, which strengthens us to live out this radical love and mercy. Highlight the communion of saints as a source of support in our spiritual journey, reminding the congregation that we are never alone in our efforts to overcome evil with good. Encourage practical acts of mercy and forgiveness, drawing on the Church's social teachings, and remind the faithful that such actions are a participation in Christ's redemptive work.

Cross-References: Matthew 5:44-45; 1 Peter 3:9; Luke 6:27-28; 1 Corinthians 4:12-13; James 3:9-10

Doctrinal Connections: Sanctifying grace; The communion of saints; The moral life; The Beatitudes; Christ's redemptive sacrifice