It is a simple question: nine words and a question mark. It is a probing, provocative, and pointed question. St. Paul asks it in his letter to the Romans, our second reading. It is just nine simple words: What will separate us from the love of Christ? (Rom 8:35). St Paul is writing at the end of a long passage in his letter that begins in Chapter 5 and reaches its thunderous conclusion in Chapter 8. You have to imagine St. Paul as the orator, having built up his argument, the crowds leaning forward in anticipation. He has already answered the question, Who will deliver me…? (Rom 7:24) with the resounding affirmation of Jesus Christ,, the Lord, as the deliverer. St. Paul has already convinced us that in the grace of God we have been saved and given new life: Or are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. (Rom 6:3-4) We have been given newness of life, led in the Spirit of God to be children of God (Rom 8:14) and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. (Rom 8:17). All of this pure gift, not earned, no way to purchase for the price has already been paid in full – it is the deal of a lifetime – an eternal lifetime. Continue reading →