Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Romans 4:13-25

Roman Catholic Lens Reading of Romans 4:13-25

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Romans 4:13-25 as an affirmation of the Catholic understanding of faith, grace, and the works of love. This passage emphasizes that Abraham's righteousness came through faith, yet within our tradition, this faith is not isolated; it must be alive, expressing itself through love and obedience to God's will. Romans 4 underscores the necessity of sacramental grace, which, in the Catholic view, is not opposed to faith but is its fullness and expression. This text is seen as a precursor to understanding the nature of justification as both an act of God's grace and a call to live out that grace in sanctifying works.

Key Language Decisions

The original Greek term 'pistis' (faith) is crucial here, pointing to a faith that implies trust and fidelity, not mere intellectual assent. The phrase 'logizomai' (counted) indicates a reckoning or accounting, which we interpret as God's transformative action in the believer's soul, not just a legal declaration. This aligns with our understanding of justification as both the remission of sins and the sanctification of the believer, distinguishing our interpretation from a purely forensic view.

Where Traditions Diverge

Our tradition diverges significantly from the Reformed tradition, which often emphasizes 'sola fide' or faith alone. The Catholic interpretation asserts that while faith is foundational, it must be accompanied by love and works, as James 2:24 suggests. This difference matters theologically because it speaks to our understanding of salvation as a cooperative process involving human participation with divine grace, not just a one-time declaration of righteousness.

Pastoral Application

In preaching this passage, we should emphasize that our faith, like Abraham's, is a living faith that must be expressed in action. This aligns with our call to live out the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, as the source and summit of our faith. We can encourage the faithful to see their daily acts of love and service as part of their journey of faith, nourished by the grace received in the sacraments. Our congregation should be reminded that, like Abraham, we are called to trust in God's promises, especially as we participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and receive the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Cross-References: James 2:21-24; Galatians 3:6-9; Hebrews 11:8-19; Catechism of the Catholic Church 144-145; Council of Trent, Session 6, Chapter 7

Doctrinal Connections: Justification as transformative (Council of Trent); Faith and works (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1814-1816); Sacramental grace; The communion of saints; The intercessory role of the Blessed Virgin Mary